Robinson 'would like' one Unionist party

Published Tuesday, 17 January 2012

First Minister Peter Robinson has spoken exclusively to UTV about the relationship between the DUP and the Ulster Unionist Party.

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Mr Robinson said in this centenary year of the signing of the Ulster Covenant, in which almost 500,000 objected to Home Rule, that he would like to see a return to the "cohesiveness there was within the Unionist community at that time".

"I would like to see that coming about again and I think you probably will have noted that some of the heat that there has been in the exchanges between the DUP and Ulster Unionists has now been removed there is now a much improved relationship."

As Scotland potentially faces a referendum on its independence in the coming weeks, the repercussions of Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond's meetings with the Prime Minister are also being felt in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robinson added that a good relationship with the UUP is something he hopes to build on in the future, citing his party's connection with the Ulster Unionist leader and deputy leader as a leading example of the possible bond.

"I have a good relationship with Tom Elliott and I think that's in the interest of the Unionist community as a whole.

"I think particularly perhaps the two of us can join together in a campaign to uphold the integrity of the United Kingdom particularly in the light of the decision by the Scottish Nationalist Party that they want to have a referendum to leave the union," he said.

In January 2010, it was revealed the DUP, UUP and Conservative Party were involved in secret talks at the stately home of an English Conservative Peer.

A tenuous pact had already been formed between the Ulster Unionists and Tories, but the meetings at Hatfield House led to speculation that the parties may run agreed candidates in future elections.

However the deal did not come to fruition, and the link between the UUP and Conservatives has deteriorated, but the possibility of greater cooperation between parties still appears to be on the table.

"We talk to the Ulster Unionist party all the time and I hope we will continue to do so.

"I think the electorate made it very clear during the last election that they want to have a strong and cohesive Unionist party capable of taking on Sinn Féin.

"The republican drive and the Democratic Unionist Party has grown in support because it is best seen to deliver an answer to that problem so I would like it to be strengthened even more," he added.

When questioned about his desire to see one Unionist party, the First Minister said:

"I have no difficulty in saying that of course I would like to see that, but very often if you start putting that out you start causing problems for other people.

"Let's just improve the relationship we have, build on that relationship and who knows where it might lead."

Comments

15 Comments

ZZ in Belfast wrote (125 days ago):

@damian and seamus Yes damian i agree with you there i think there does need to be a political movement here. I believe the executive is the start of that process, but there is still so much more to be done. Seamus being in the UK has nothing to do with parades, it is part of the the protestant heritage. I would not say they be forced there is a parade's commission now and parades have not been allowed in some areas, but there is still some issues with interface areas i do accept that. It's give and take Seamus, bands be banned in some areas and protestants sometime have to deal with things they consider sectarian - it;s the way it is. If unionism ended and ireland was united we would have no rights what so ever and there we would not get to express our religion and British people would be outcasts. totally unacceptable to us i could never be British in a united Ireland. And to say your not being treated like a citizen is so unfair the unionist parties shared out power with Sinn Feinn and there is promotion of more catholic things now, so i'd say we are moving more to an equal society. I do acknowledge there is more work to be done and the parties should get together and agree allong term plan SF's participation would be extremely important.

seamas in belfast wrote (126 days ago):

ZZ. We don’t support staying in the UK because to do so means we will continue to have sectarian parades forced past our homes. The first unionist who promises me he’ll put an end to that is someone I might listen to. If Robinson or Elliott wants to entice the catholic vote that’s the nettle they’re going to have to grasp. I might consider being Irish within the UK if I thought I would be treated like a citizen. So far there’s no sign of that so I’ll just have to keep wanting an end to partition and unionist domination.

damian in mexico wrote (126 days ago):

@ZZ What I meant was all of them republicians unionists all of them need to go as you said there will always be people who think they are evil we need a new policital movement in northern ireland one that does not take sides but looks after all people of northern Ireland . Please dont associate me with either side in this country both are full of idiots.

ZZ in Belfast wrote (127 days ago):

JOe and Damian, what is wrong with you? what do you mean "we need rid of them all". first the unionist parties share out power and work towards devolution and peace yet you's are still not happy!! Yet you's are happy to take the queen's money etc. Britain decided to let 26 counties of ireland have it's independence in 1921 and yet the Irish people let this happen and gave up there claims to NI years ago, it is called the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND if your still not happy with the situation in Northern Ireland i suggest you and others minded like you to relocate there. Annon a single unionist party is not about protestants only and in no way is it about Sectarianism. Unionists are people who believe we are better of in the UK economy and not in the Irish economy. SO why can't some catholics support it?? Althought then i'd suspect you and alot of other people already know that but won't admit always regard the idea of unionism as "evil" or "sectarian". What i say to you and others minded like you GROW UP move on, like many people are trying to do..

RM in Lisburn wrote (127 days ago):

Great idea Peter! By getting all the Orangemen in one party, it will be much easier to build a pro-union, non-sectarian centre-right party with genuine cross-community appeal. Get on with it!

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