UUP is a coalition of individuals
DAVID McNarry’s dramatic departure from the Ulster Unionist benches at Stormont demonstrates the inability of the UUP to continue as a “broad church” party.
The schism within the party over whether to steer towards opposition to the DUP or towards a formal link with the DUP revealed by Mr McNarry’s resignation is deep and bitter.
Those positions are diametrically opposed but until now both camps have believed that Tom Elliott was on their side.
Mr McNarry, who backed Mr Elliott for the leadership 18 months ago, believed that as a fellow senior Orangeman and someone who has articulated traditional unionist positions on many issues, the UUP leader was on his side.
The fact that the pair were engaged in the private talks with the DUP would have strengthened Mr McNarry’s belief that the leader was on his side.
But the manner of last week’s dispute and his disciplining by the UUP leader have left the veteran Strangford MLA furious and feeling “betrayed” by Mr Elliott.
At the same time those such as John McCallister and Basil McCrea who want opposition were heartened by Mr Elliott’s public rejection of any merger with the DUP and his appointment of Mr McCallister to the significant positions of deputy leader and chief whip.
But the fact that talks with the DUP were ongoing the entire time – and they were in the dark about them – has left them wary of where Mr Elliott sees the party’s future.
As both camps increasingly question his actions, Mr Elliott is now left quite isolated within the party.
But, while Mr Elliott’s handling of the situation has been far from decisive, the problems at the heart of the affair are far beyond his control.
If Mr Elliott quits or is forced out in coming days the party will still face the same dilemma – it is now a coalition of individuals who have little other than history or a dislike of the DUP to bind them together.
As this episode demonstrates, that it no longer sufficient to keep some of them together.
As DUP strategist Lee Reynolds wrote last week in this newspaper, Northern Ireland is moving on from peace process politics and needs to adapt.
Sir Reg Empey realised that and attempted to provide his party with a post-peace relevancy by linking with the Conservatives.
That has now collapsed but the party needs to find something which can justify its continued existence.
The DUP has found a relevancy by becoming as big and broad as possible, something its discipline means is still possible, and working closely with Sinn Fein.
It is unlikely that the UUP can find a coherent message while keeping both its moderate and traditional wings on board.
But a smaller, more coherent party may be more successful at the next election than a larger party which is constantly at war with itself.
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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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