Letter: A multi party, divided unionism has delivered nothing but advancement for Irish republicans

Alex Swan has replied to my letter in the News Letter (‘It is fanciful to think that a single unionist party offering a narrow vision will lead to an increase in the unionist vote,’ Nov 22) as he is perfectly entitled to do so.

He doesn't agree with my view that a united unionist party is the way forward. Alex sees merit in a multi faceted unionism.

We have had DUP, UUP, PUP, TUV and a few independents over the years. What have they delivered for unionism or Northern Ireland? A split unionism has not delivered for its citizens in jobs, healthcare or infrastructure – why continue with this? Why reward failure, lies and treachery? The definition of insanity is repeating the same action over and over again and expecting a different outcome every time.

The pan nationalist front of Alliance, SF, SDLP, PBP and the Greens have been successfully pushing their joint agenda over the years. Time for unionism to come together.

Look at the last forty years Alex – what has a multi party unionism delivered? Nothing but advancement for republicans.

The politics of the past have abjectly failed – time for change. If you and others who see themselves as British, unionist, loyalist can't see that then we are lost.

Harry Patterson, Castlecaulfield