Sinn Fein ‘want a weak and divided unionism’ - DUP leader says his party will co-operate with other unionists
Sinn Fein are hoping for a “weakened and divided unionism” as a result of voters “staying at home, or voting for parties that spend more timing attacking fellow unionists”, the DUP leader has said.
Gavin Robinson told his party’s annual conference on Saturday that his party will “not be found wanting” on co-operation to maximise a pro-union vote.
The party showcased some of its new MLA hopefuls during the event at the La Mon Hotel, including its West Belfast candidate Frank McCoubrey and Daryl Wilson, who the DUP hopes will secure it a second seat in North Antrim.
Mr Robinson said the DUP would work “to ensure that constituencies and DEAs are not flooded with candidates from unionist parties” in next year’s Assembly and local government elections.
The East Belfast MP told delegates that split votes and lost Unionist seats would take Northern Ireland in the “wrong direction”.
In his third such address as leader, Mr Robinson said he wanted to work again with other Unionist parties to get the largest number of pro-Union candidates into the Northern Ireland Assembly.
“Staying at home, or voting for parties that spend more timing attacking fellow unionists, and who have no plan, will deliver a weakened and divided unionism – and that is exactly what Sinn Fein hope for,” Mr Robinson said.
“They know, what split votes and lost seats will mean for Unionism and the Union. More power for them to take Northern Ireland in the wrong direction.”
“Want I won’t allow however, is for the strength and resolve of our cause to be diminished by one man’s ego or another’s ambition,” he continued.
“As the lead Unionist party, this party will not be found wanting when it comes to co-operating to maximise the Pro-Union vote. We can work to ensure that constituencies and DEAs are not flooded with candidates from unionist parties.
“We can also develop co-operation between parties in the Assembly and in the new councils.”
The DUP boss also criticised US President Donald Trump’s support for a united Ireland, after he made remarks in favour of Northern Ireland leaving the UK during his visit to Dublin last week.
Mr Robinson said the future of Northern Ireland will be decided by the people “who live here”.
“We have one objective Mr President: to Make Northern Ireland Great Again,” Mr Robinson added.
“A Northern Ireland where a unionist never has to apologise for being British. Where a nationalist never has to apologise for being Irish.”
The DUP leader also raised concerns over illegal immigration.
He added: “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.”
He also told delegates that Sinn Fein and the SDLP treat the rights and traditions of unionists as “obstacles”, saying the parties are engaging in “majoritarianism”.