Fresh doubts over deal between unionist parties
DOUBT is being cast over a possible deal between the DUP and UUP to run single unionist candidates in South Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone at the next general election.
DUP MP Sammy Wilson has challenged the Ulster Unionists to publicly state if a deal is do-able.
This is ahead of talks between the two main unionist parties, supposed to take place later this month.
The Conservatives are on record stating that they will stand in every constituency in the UK at the next election.
MP Owen Paterson yesterday confirmed this position to the News Letter but he said any speculation on the nature of a deal with the UUP was pointless, because an agreement has not been reached, yet.
But if the UUP and Tories are to field joint candidates in future in the Province, it would make the idea of single unionist runners in Fermanagh and South Belfast look highly unlikely.
Mr Wilson said: “Unionism is currently represented by 10 MPs in the House of Commons. That figure could and should be 12. Both Fermanagh and South Tyrone and South Belfast can be won for unionism through closer cooperation.
“The Tories have indicated that they want to contest every single seat in the United Kingdom. Such a move would seriously undermine unionism by allowing nationalism to retain these two vital Westminster seats.”
He continued: “The UUP needs to allay public concern in this regard. Have they learnt the lesson from 2005 and are prepared to work together with us to advance the unionist agenda or are they going to take their steer from Mr Cameron and risk South Belfast and Fermanagh and South Tyrone remaining in the hands of the enemies of unionism?
“The DUP is committed to strengthening unionism in the fullest possible way by ensuring that we achieve the maximum number of unionists elected to local councils, the Northern Ireland Assembly, Parliament at Westminster and the European Parliament. We know that to achieve that, cooperation across the unionist family will be necessary and essential. That is what the unionist community is crying out for.
“Our people want to see the days of unionist politicians tearing lumps out of each other brought to a close. They will, I believe punish severely those who for their own selfish reasons choose to perpetuate further divisions within unionism and risk helping the forces of anti-unionism through vote splitting.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
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