As far as the public is concerned, however, it is probably quite useful for them to be reminded of the antics of the more militant union leaders during the dark days of the 1980s.
One of the first to speak among earlier delegations was Leo Koot, managing director of oil firm TAQA Bratani, who said Union Terrace Gardens was a "dark hole".
The National Farmers' Union said the lifting of restrictions would remove a "long, dark shadow" from the countryside, even though it will be some months before Britain can trade fully with the rest of the world.
Larry Broderick, from the Finance Union, the Irish Bank Officials' Association (IBOA), said it was a "very dark day for staff and customers" of Ulster Bank.