The UUP’s latest cunning plan to do the deal with the Tories after all - after bizarre talks with the DUP about “Unionist Unity” – raises lots of yes…buts.
For example, Michael McGimpsey (pictured) on Spotlight last night, awkwardly positioned behind a strange Dr Who inspired podium device, implied that the electoral arrangements between the two parties applied only to Westminster elections i.e. did not extend to Assembly elections. I think the Conservatives have a different view.
He also implied that the arrangement could be suspended if he and the rest of the UUP leadership got the impression that the Conservatives were going a bit cold on the Union.
For example if David Cameron were to wake up a few days after becoming Prime Minister and mutter to Samantha, “Hey Sam, I dunno why, but this morning I’m not that hot on the Union,” McGimpsey would be lobbying old Reg to pull out of the arrangements and return the UUP to regional irrelevance.
Also, how is the Westminster candidate carve-up supposed to work? My expectation, when I was on the joint committee, was that there would be a 50/50 split between UUP nominees and Conservative. But I’m sure the UUP will have a different view.
And how will the joint committee ensure that the candidate list reflects all of our community and not just a part of it? Oh and how will the joint committee make a bold statement that this new brand is intent on establishing non-sectarian politics here?
This pact is, as I’m bored typing, chock full of difficulties. The next two weeks are going to be interesting. I look forward to seeing the candidate line-up.
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