INTERVIEW: Tory leader David Cameron
CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron will be in Belfast this weekend to anoint his party's new partnership with the Ulster Unionists.
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. There are minority parties that wish to break up the UK but I believe that this policy is misguided and would do damage to us all. It is quite clear that we will weather the current economic crisis together in a way which could not happen if we were divided.
But I’d prefer to focus on tangible, everyday issues that matter to people rather than endlessly going over the arguments about the merits of the Union which have now been settled. The Union will be protected through practical measures that get all our people working together. That’s the best way to defend the Union. Unionism in Northern Ireland has been too narrowly defined. I want to widen it and take advantage of the wonderful talent that exists here in Northern Ireland – in politics, business, academia – in all walks of life.
NL: The Conservatives have stated their intention to stand in every constituency in the UK at the next General Election. However, this is at odds with Ulster Unionist and DUP plans to discuss running single unionist candidates in South Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Do you stick by the “every constituency plan” or will you consider the plan for single unionist candidates in these areas?
DC: We want every voter in the UK to have the opportunity to vote for an alternative government. Every voter should have the right to vote for a Member of Parliament who has real influence on fuel duties, pensions and taxation, which are the issues that really worry people throughout the UK.
NL: Is there a contradiction at the heart of the new relationship in that the Tories talk about this being a new beginning for non-sectarian politics in the Province, and yet the UUP is inherently a Protestant party with a long tradition of involvement with the Orange Order and the Protestant Churches – which define it in religious, if not sectarian, terms?
DC: Like us, the Ulster Unionist Party has changed. For example, it no longer has a formal link with the Orange Order. However, both parties will continue to have individual members who are also members of a variety of organisations, some of which will be religious. The Conservative Party is a broad church that welcomes all who share our values. Moreover, we will be actively seeking candidates from all sections of society in Northern Ireland.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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