Transferring fully within unionist candidates is vital in today’s Stormont election

See links below to other editorials

We focus here on the importance of transfers within unionism.

But before doing so, it is important to register alarm at comments by the secretary of state for Northern Ireland in a TV interview with Robert Peston last evening.

Brandon Lewis appeared to cast doubt on the growing understanding in political circles that the government will move to mitigate the worst aspects of the Northern Ireland Protocol in next week’s Queen’s speech. Ministers were expected to commit to legislation to protect the integrity of the UK.

While Mr Lewis might have been trying in his answer to deflect criticism of the government, rather than signalling a retreat on this issue, it is extraordinary that he failed to give greater reassurance to unionists on the eve of an election which will be so central to the future of the Irish Sea border.

Such mixed messaging from London starkly illustrates the importance of turnout among unionists today, however frustrated they are at events, and at the seemingly perpetual determination of the UK to placate Irish nationalism.

A high turnout for avowedly pro Union candidates is the most important thing that anyone who cares about the Union needs to do. But after that, unionists need to transfer fully to other unionist candidates.

Then, after doing that, there is great value in voting on down the ballot paper so that any candidate who wants Northern Ireland to fail — as republicans openly do — is at or close to the bottom of the list.

There seems to be confusion on this point. Some people think that giving lower preferences to parties such as Alliance after unionists indicates support for them. It doesn’t.

It means that in a late count between such a candidate and, for example, Sinn Fein, you want the former to prevail.

As Gerry Lynch wrote yesterday, see link below, if unionists do this on a large scale they could reduce the total number of SF seats.

• Other opinion pieces:

Analysis Gerry Lynch May 4: Unionist transfers to SDLP and Alliance would cost SF seats

Editorial May 3: West Tyrone election statistics show the importance of turnout and transfers

Editorial May 2: A high unionist turnout is essential in this election

Editorial April 30: Donaldson remark on crucial nature of election shows need for big unionist vote

Ruth Dudley Edwards May 3: Vote down the ballot for the good guys, so that SF lose

Owen Polley May 2: Underwhelming campaign hasn’t given NI Protocol the focus it need

Ben Lowry April 30: NI’s place in UK is under relentless pressure so a big unionist vote in this election is essential

Letter: Nowhere are unionist transfers more important than in Foyle

Analysis: West Tyrone is a key hope for Jim Allister’s party