Ironically enough after I had just finished Owen Polley's article, arguing eloquently the case for civic Unionism, I came across, again, Tom Elliott, the Conservative and Unionist candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, giving his opinion on Unionist "pacts" last night, this time on BBC NI's Hearts and Minds programme.
He remains "open to discussions" apparently, although if that is also the present position of the UUP leadership is an unknown. "Open to discussions" is obviously not exactly the same as "open to agreement", but he did also give the slightly more firmer: "lets see what agreement we can work out"- is that "we" as in Tom unilaterally, the UUP or the "Conservatives and Unionists" as a collective electoral unit? The Conservatives have said there will be a Conservative and Unionist fighting every constituency in Northern Ireland and unless Tom, as part of those "discussions", is offering to stand down in favour of an "agreed Unionist" candidate, then he will fight the next election as the Conservatives and Unionist representative in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. And unless he is planning to stand down, is it any of his business then what goes on in any of the other constituencies?
Seymour Major goes a step further here; my main question with regards to Elliot though remains, is he merely reiterating the party's leadership's opinion on this?
1 comment:
Regarding your recent thread on the link up with fellow Unionists here in Scotland.
Even if the Tories and BNP at Glasgow NE had decided on a similar keep the Fenians out pact they still wouldn't have managed 10%.
I wonder if your fellow pan-Unionists know what really goes on with you guys. btw well done for speaking agaist this atavism.
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