News Letter Political Editor STEPHEN DEMPSTER questions him on what the deal has to offer the Union and the voters.


News Letter: The realignment with the Ulster Unionist Party: does that bring to an end the period of Conservative neutrality in Ulster and the Thatcher-era of "no selfish strategic or economic interest in Northern Ireland"?

David Cameron: We want the voters of Northern Ireland to have the opportunity to participate in normal politics. We want to play a part in the normalisation process. Therefore, we are not neutral – as we will be seeking to maximise our vote in Westminster and European elections. However, we will continue to work with all local political parties that are committed to the democratic process.

NL: What if you form the next government and find yourself in Tony Blair's position of a broker between unionism and republicanism? Is there not potential, in stressing your unionist credentials, that you may impede your ability to deal with the problems in the Province at a later date?

DC: The Conservative Party in government will never side with one part of the community over another. We will govern in the best interests of all the people. The constitutional position of Northern Ireland has been settled by a clear majority of voters in referenda on both sides of the border. Frankly, it is a cop-out to suggest that Northern Ireland is permanently divided and the Government's role in perpetuity is to simply hold the ring as an "honest broker". It is an unacceptably pessimistic prescription. We have a more positive vision and are determined to play our part in developing a more normal society and real politics in Northern Ireland.

NL: Can you explain, from the Tory point of view, what the benefits are of a link-up with the UUP?

DC: The Conservative Party wants Northern Ireland to participate in the politics of the UK. Most in the UUP share our vision and want to play a part in the real politics of the kingdom. However, we recognise that many in other parties want to take part too. Therefore, the combined offer is likely to strengthen our collective vote by attracting right-of-centre voters from other parties too – such as the Alliance Party and even the SDLP. We also hope to attract large numbers of people who have been put off participating in politics altogether.

NL: What benefits do you envisage for Northern Ireland in this partnership?

DC: For the first time in decades, voters in Northern Ireland will be able to vote for a party that may form the next government – thereby influencing what that government does if elected. This means that those selected by the Joint Committee (of the Conservatives and UUP), if elected, will take the Conservative whip. They will have real influence in a potential Conservative government and may even become junior ministers or cabinet ministers. In short, we offer real democracy to Northern Ireland. Its elected representatives will have a real voice. That's better than shouting from the sidelines.

NL: At the Tory Party conference, you made a point of declaring yourself "a unionist". Do you think the threats to the Union are now more in Scotland and Wales than in Northern Ireland? And if so, why?

DC: I am a unionist because the Union is good for all peoples in the United Kingdom.