McNarry and Campbell: '˜Unionists should not support Sinn Fein-led bid to unseat Ian Paisley in North Antrim'

Ian Paisley has been punished by Parliament for breaching its rules but to unseat him would be a completely disproportionate reaction.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Aug 2018, 14:30 BST
Updated 2nd Sep 2018, 22:08 BST
Alderman John Finlay welcomes Ian Paisley to a meeting in North Antrim on Monday evening to show support for the embattled DUP MP. Picture PacemakerAlderman John Finlay welcomes Ian Paisley to a meeting in North Antrim on Monday evening to show support for the embattled DUP MP. Picture Pacemaker
Alderman John Finlay welcomes Ian Paisley to a meeting in North Antrim on Monday evening to show support for the embattled DUP MP. Picture Pacemaker

It is clear to us that the pan-nationalist front led by Sinn Fein are using this breach of the rules by Ian some five years ago to try and precipitate a bye-election in order to deprive unionism of a vote in parliament during one of the most critical times in the modern history of our country.

Any unionist who signs this petition is playing into the hands of republicans.

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We have both had historic policy differences with Ian and his party over the years.

The former Ulster Unionists David Campbell and David McNarry earlier this year at the Stormont hotel, issuing a political joint proposalThe former Ulster Unionists David Campbell and David McNarry earlier this year at the Stormont hotel, issuing a political joint proposal
The former Ulster Unionists David Campbell and David McNarry earlier this year at the Stormont hotel, issuing a political joint proposal

His breach of parliamentary rules was misguided and for that he has been sanctioned by Parliament.

What is beyond any doubt however is the commitment he has demonstrated to his electorate in North Antrim, and to promoting Northern Ireland as a whole.

Any unionist who thinks they are serving the best interests of North Antrim and Northern Ireland by signing this petition are gravely mistaken and they should desist rather than help Sinn Fein with their insidious agenda.

David Campbell and David McNarry (Former chairman of Ulster Unionist Party and former UUP and Ukip MLA for Strangford)

Related topics:Ian PaisleySinn FeinUnionistsDavid CampbellParliamentNorthern IrelandUlster Unionist Party