My friend tells me the Conservative-Ulster Unionist link will continue.
But the reality is there will be no UCUNF candidates in next May's Assembly election.
"The electoral arrangement was always for the Westminster and European elections and Jim Nicholson remains a Conservative and Ulster Unionist MEP,'' I was told.
The Assembly it appears is a different matter with the d'Hont voting system and designation issues just too difficult.
But Conservatives will not oppose Ulster Unionists in the election, I'm told.
That leaves some interesting questions.
Not least the position regarding Ian Parsley in North Down.
The former Alliance man was the UCUNF candidate in the Westminster election and maintains a high profile.
Could he possibly try to take an Ulster Unionist ticket in next year's election?
Time will tell.
And as for the future relationship between the two parties.
Much will depend on who wins the Ulster Unionist leadership contest.
But one thing is certain... there will be no UCUNF candidates in next May's election.
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