Ulster Unionists pledge to offer pro-Union voters a 'clear choice' after 20 years of 'strategic mistakes' by DUP
The UUP has encouraged all unionists to join its efforts to build a “confident and pragmatic unionism” – telling the DUP that is has failed to deliver for the Union and “championed the largest of strategic mistakes” over the past 20 years.
The comments come after Gavin Robinson invited incoming Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows to talks to discuss strengthening “pro-Union co-operation” and returning more unionists at upcoming elections.
The DUP boss told party members at the weekend that he stands ready “to act in the widest interests of the Pro-Union cause and to work across the unionist spectrum”.
However, the Ulster Unionist Party has responded with criticism of the DUP’s record as the lead party of unionism – stating its intention to offer voters a “clear choice”. It said its new leadership would “consider any request to meet” – but added “we know all too well when others are engaging in good faith or when self preservation is on their mind”.
On Saturday, the DUP leader told the party faithful that he had written to UUP leader elect Mr Burrows about unionist co-operation – and invited him to meet.
Mr Robinson said: “I look forward to working with Jon Burrows to see how our parties could co-operate and work towards building greater support for the Union and to test how we might best strengthen pro-Union co-operation leading to the election of more pro-Union members at local government, Assembly and Westminster elections.
“I have previously met with Jim Allister and he knows we stand ready to co-operate to maximise unionist representation.
“Unionism has no room to be complacent and while the DUP is working and planning for the future, I want to ensure in that planning process all unionist parties and grassroots groupings are involved. It is the job of all of us to be building support for the Union and making the case for it. We must do that at home as well as nationally and internationally”.
The East Belfast MP said that Sinn Fein “is not interested in working with the UK Government or the rest of us who at our core want to do what is best for Northern Ireland”. He accused republicans of finding “every excuse to be themselves alone, to duck difficult decisions, and to follow an all-Ireland anti-United Kingdom agenda”.
However, the Ulster Unionists issued a statement later that day, apparently pouring cold water on any notion of unionist unity. A party spokesperson said: “This is an exciting time for Ulster unionism as we embark on a new chapter that will engage and refocus our efforts on a confident and pragmatic unionism.
“As a party, we look forward to setting out our vision for Northern Ireland and the Union in the months ahead and invite all unionists to join us in this endeavour.
“Over the years, we have engaged in previous talks on unionist cooperation with our unionist colleagues, repeatedly in good faith, and we know all too well when others are engaging in good faith or when self preservation is on their mind.
“We are also mindful that decisions taken over the last 20 years by some within unionist leadership have failed to deliver for the Union but rather have championed the largest of strategic mistakes. That history informs our desire to offer the electorate a clear choice.
“Our new leadership team will consider any request to meet, judged against what is best for Northern Ireland and its people. We remain committed to advancing the interests of the Union through constructive dialogue that benefits all.”
Jon Burrows became leader elect of the UUP on Thursday, after no other candidates put their name forward to challenge him as Mike Nesbitt’s successor. It is understood he had a widespread support from the party’s grassroots, but will face some opposition from within the party’s MLA team at Stormont.
Outgoing deputy leader Robbie Butler announced on Thursday that he would not be putting himself forward for the leadership. He said despite “significant support” in “every elected office” of the party, it had become “apparent to me and my team that the direction many within the party now wish to pursue would be under a different leadership style and new focus”.
Mr Butler will now be succeeded as deputy leader by Diana Armstrong, subject to formal ratification by party members at the end of the month.
In his first statement as leader elect, Mr Burrows said he brings “fresh energy to renew our party at all levels, while honouring its proud traditions of service, honesty, and pragmatism”.