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29 May 2014

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After the elections – New questions and decisions for political unionism


THE European and local elections in the North occurred against 22 months of impasse in the political process and instability on the ground.

Political unionism’s agenda throughout was set by Orange and unionist extremists.

A sectarian race to the bottom between unionist politicians and unionist paramilitaries defined the lead-up to these elections. That’s reflected in the electoral deals made between some of them and the electoral turf competition among others in Belfast.

The election results within unionism are a product of these combined factors and the absence of positive unionist leadership.

JimAllisterTUV

The Ulster Unionist Party attempted to outflank the Democratic Unionist Party with its increased negativity.  However, that didn’t stop Jim Allister (pictured) and his Traditional Unionist Voice party from running the Ulster Unionist European electoral project very close.

Meanwhile, the DUP haemorrhaged support and lost council seats to both the Progressive Unionist Party and the TUV in Belfast, and particularly to the TUV in Counties Antrim and Derry. 

Significantly, these elections show that the Alliance Party held its own despite the concerted intimidation of that party. Now private talks have been revealed about unionist unity pacts to take back Westminster seats such as East Belfast, presently held by Alliance.

The PUP had two council seats beforehand and now it has four (two of these at the expense of the DUP).

The PUP’s future prospects depend on whether it’s really committed to developing constructive unionist class politics.

One strategic question arising is if these election results for unionism will add to the political impasse or might become a catalyst for immediate discussions on full implementation of the Haass compromise proposals.

That will depend on whether the DUP (in particular) keeps its nerve and embraces this electoral mandate with confidence.

Likewise, the Ulster Unionist Party leader has to decide if he will give positive leadership or not.

The onset of new local councils represents an opportunity and a test for political unionism to practise real power-sharing in local government.

The electorate’s punishment of those parties which have supported austerity measures elsewhere also makes a compelling case for all parties in the North to unite in opposition to the British Conservative welfare cuts agenda.

If political unionism, and especially the DUP, is prepared to move forward, progress can be made.

The opportunity will exist to do so in the coming period, but only if this summer’s marching season and Conservative/DUP horse trading are not used to block progress.

After these elections, unionism faces new questions and has decisions to make.

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