There will not be a merger between the Ulster Unionist Party and the DUP, party leader Sir Reg Empey has said.As soon as, like yesterday.
Sir Reg said no deal had been made and said the UUP were 100% committed to their link with the Conservatives.
It is understood an Ulster Unionist Executive meeting on Tuesday night rejected what were described as "bogus unionist unity talks".
It was also agreed to select joint Westminster candidates with the Tories as soon as possible.
One UUP source told BBC political editor Mark Devenport there was a determination "not to pull the DUP out of a hole".Do simply what the DUP would have done if the situation had been reversed, put a big size 12 right on top of their head and make sure they don't get out of that hole.
The UUP's decision could have wider repercussions for the current political impasse over the devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland, as some believe Sinn Fein has held off on its threat to collapse the assembly out of concerns the unionist parties would form an electoral pact in any assembly election which would follow.A "collapsed" assembly? Even better. A win-win-win.
Update
Ok, a little more flesh on the bones:
Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Sir Reg Empey has taken the opportunity to reaffirm the position of the UUP in relation to talks with the Conservatives and DUP at Hatfield recently stressing that talks of a merger with the DUP are misleading.
Speaking to the UUP Executive Reg said; “I can categorically say that rumours of a merger with the DUP are untrue. No deal has been agreed and no formal link with the party has been made.”
Reg did admit that discussions had taken place in relation to the proposed upcoming Assembly election but stressed that no commitments were made. “I make no apology for discussing issues which look at how to best secure the future of political institutions in Northern Ireland. The UUP was instrumental in bringing this stability – it was us who started this process – it was our determination when the DUP shouted us down in the late 90s. We are proud of our role in bringing peace to our streets. We want to do all in our power to preserve what we have built up. Perhaps many forget how far we have come from 1998. No-one in Northern Ireland wants to see a return to violence on our streets.
The Executive also reaffirmed its commitment to the continued relationship with the Conservative Party with a resolution being passed in connection with the selection process. It was agreed that the Joint Committee would resolve to put candidates forward as soon as possible given the ongoing fluid situation over policing and justice.
Reg added; “In light of recent press commentary and blogging sources I wish to stress that we are 100 per cent committed to our relationship with the Conservative Party. It is Party policy – it has been agreed by this Executive and it is something that the Ulster Unionist Party is very proud of. We eagerly await the announcement of all of our candidates for the forthcoming Westminster election and we look forward to starting our election campaign on the doorsteps – bringing national politics to all people of Northern Ireland.”
Ulster Unionist Party Executive Committee – 2 February 2010
The Executive Committee of the Ulster Unionist Party support the policy that Policing and Justice should not be devolved in the present context of a dysfunctional Stormont Executive. [This reflects the fact that the matter raised by the UUP at Hillsborough regarding the workings of the Executive were not included in the negotiations. P+J will be devolved into an Executive that is in stasis because of mutual vetoes.]
Urge the early completion and ratification of our candidates list with the Conservative Party for the Westminster election.
Further notes that whilst desirous of better working relationships within political unionism - rejects moves towards ‘bogus’ unionist unity. The UUP notes that for most of its existence the DUP was splitting and demoralising the unionist electorate in general and our party in particular.
2 comments:
Too late chum the damage has been done. I watched the spotlight special last night and wee Sammy had mcgimpsy on toast over the matter. By desperatly trying to avoid filling in us in on what was spoken about Mcgimp gave the game away. Apart from that he came across well.
It is obvious though that everyone bar SF(curiosly)have had their fill of the crap coming from the DUP. It is incresingly obvious that they have promised the unreconstructed that they will have carte blanche to commit the breach of the peace wherever they want in the 6 counties. Shame on the UUP for even being party to the talks (sic)
"Too late chum the damage has been done."
In terms of a credible performance at the next election(s), no I don't think it has- the DUP are imploding through their own contradictions, corrupt behaviour and arrogance. The TUV will benefit, the Conservatives and UUP will do much better than what was predicted even 3 months ago. But short-term, I think, any benefit will come from those who already voted Unionist switching, not from attracting those traditionally "outside"
Long-term? In terms of building a new form of pro-Union politics that changes slowly into something similar to the Welsh Conservatives...damage has been done, but I'd wait to see what happens with candidate selection first before saying this particular project is completely finished.
BTW, I have a rabble-rousing piece coming up elsewhere soon on NI Unionism that may surprise...
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