Robinson to make plea not to ‘gift wrap seats’ to Sinn Fein and Alliance

Mr Robinson will address the conference, his third as leader, on Saturday afternoon.

It will be the last DUP conference before elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly take place next year.

Mr Robinson will call for renewed engagement between unionist parties and practical co-operation ahead of May’s elections.

He is expected to say: “As the lead unionist party, the DUP will not be found wanting when it comes to cooperation to maximise the pro-union vote.

“For my part, I am committed to working constructively and engaging again with other unionist parties, as we have before, to secure the election of the largest possible number of pro-union candidates to the Assembly and our councils.

“Working together, we are stronger.”

He will tell the conference that closer unionist co-operation can “secure sensible outcomes”.

He is expected to say: “We can collectively encourage voters to give their preference votes to pro-union candidates and ensure that constituencies and electoral areas are not flooded with candidates from unionist parties.

“I am not asking anyone to give up what they believe.

“I am asking that, collectively, we do not gift wrap seats to Sinn Fein, the SDLP or Alliance that unionism could otherwise win.”

The DUP leader will also use his speech to raise concerns over illegal immigration.

He is expected to say: “People are worried about pressure on housing, schools, healthcare and public services. They are worried about illegal immigration and a system that feels out of control. Those concerns should not be dismissed.

“Controlling immigration is not extreme; and expecting people to respect our laws and play their part is not extreme either.

“Our immigration system must work for the people who live here.

“Fairness is not intolerance. Common sense deserves a voice; and we will be that voice.”