Letter: A single party would mean unionism topping poll and beating Sinn Fein at the next Stormont election
A letter from David McNarry:
'Quockerwodger' is a 19th century slang word for an MP who doesn't represent their constituents and whose actions are controlled by someone else.
'Quockerwodger' associates with the mundane shenanigans fermenting inside political unionism – particularly those MLAs proffering the inane notion that parties can be compatible and compete with each other at the same time. Even at the cost of losing seats, some are also content on being spoilers, going into opposition.
Are lessons never going to be learnt? 36 unionist MLAs to 28 Sinn Fein MLAs in the current NI Assembly demonstrates the sheer folly of divided political unionism. Return 36 MLAs representing a single unionist party in the next May election and everything changes for unionists.
Is the problem so obvious that it cannot be fixed? It can, when the parties prove willing to sacrifice their self-interests for the better good of unionism.
Keep on giving steadfast supporters who are the conscience of unionism 'nothing worthwhile to vote for’ and they will stay at home.
In the final analysis it is the unionist family electorate who will arbitrate on who represents them in Stormont. These stalwart stakeholders should not be dismissed or taken for granted!
From all walks of life and all generations. Pro-unity unionists, a failsafe majority, recognise the merit in the parties acting responsibly and being willing to embrace the following.
Build a movement together. Incorporate political unionism into a unified single party. Co-ordinate maximising the unionist vote with a sustainable winning machine. Implement strategic measures structuring a visionary life-time mission statement for governing NI/UK. Take control of devolved government and the first minister’s office.
Stipulate from a position of strength that future involvement in a NI Executive is conditional on the removal of the Irish Sea border and the de-weaponising of the Irish language.
Do the maths and add up how strong unionism is. Sinn Fein are entrenched in their birthmothers’ past and dedicated to destroying the Union. They have proven to be 'fake' partners in government. Republican nationalists are the opponents of unionism, not fellow unionists!
David McNarry, ex Ulster Unionist and Ukip MLA for Strangford