Apathy 'greatest opponent' for DUP

Published Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Apathy will be the DUP's "greatest opponent" in the forthcoming Assembly elections, Peter Robinson said, as the party launched their campaign.

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DUP campaign launch
Analysis

Speaking on Tuesday, the DUP leader said it is the first election where the main issues are everyday ones.

He said the party will want to make the most of local support.

"We must maximise turnout and support for the DUP - we must use every vote to its maximum effect," Mr Robinson told UTV. "That is why key to our success is vote management.

"Our greatest opponent is apathy. Every single vote in an election matters. Just four votes won a Westminster seat last May and in the last local government election one candidate was elected with by less than a single vote."

No blood and thunder. No constitutional stuff. No Ian Paisley. Hope this campaign is not boring!!!
UTV’s Political Editor Ken Reid in his blog: On the campaign trail

Most of the DUP's 44 election candidates were present at the launch in Belfast's old Ormeau baths, now an art gallery.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said: "Progress in Northern Ireland continues and we've delivered."

"It won't be derailed. We go into this election with real purpose and the objective of keeping NI moving forward."

Mr Robinson said: "In just 37 days the people of Northern Ireland will go to the polls for what will undoubtedly be a defining election. For the next five weeks we will take our message to the people for this campaign is not just about the next election, it's about the next generation."

The vote will take place on 5 May.

Comments

8 Comments

Frosty in Here wrote (418 days ago):

You may call it apathy Peter, others people call it not giving a flying one and getting on with their lives regardless.

Jamesbelfast in Belfast wrote (419 days ago):

Come on Peter Robinson wise up. People are only apathetic due to the policies of the mainstream political parties. You are only reaping what you have sown. The electorate have always been concerned with everyday issues but politicians of your ilk have chosen to ignore such issues but you have insisted on drumming up support by using the old flag waving politics of yesteryear. I will say this to all political candidates - no flag of any colour or hue will put food on my table or heat my home so wise up.

Bill in Belfast wrote (420 days ago):

Truly excellent comments from all below! We have been failed by crisis over crisis with water, education, housing etc and it is time for us to out these people to the sword. As a Veteran I can honestly say that this is the only time we hear of these so-called politicians, however I am astounded that when the UUP tried and failed to bring Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the U.K. with Veterans Issues the DUP stood idly by and let this motion be defeated. Then less than 2 weeks ago we see DUP M.P.s calling for more help for veterans. This is just a small personal issue to me, but we are right in saying the WHOLE Assembly is clearly out of touch with the Electorate and I will not be falling for empty promises and lies should they come knocking.

stephen wilson in belfast wrote (420 days ago):

I wonder if Peter will have a seat to sit on? The Iris/sliver of land debacle cost him the Westminster election. Will the good folk of the East punish him again,.....interesting prospect. First everday elections for NI, he wishes.

lorna in limavady wrote (420 days ago):

Orange and green policits have failed the people of Northern Ireland. No more do we have to heed the NO NO NO from Rev Ian that made policits stagnet. The DUP were put into government by fear of a United Ireland. We have had people unable and unwilling to support the police and parades are still unsettled. To be honest I do not care if my vote means anything anymore. We have had people murdered because of our policits and nothing moves on.

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