It’s encouraging to note that I’m not alone in highlighting the contradictions of the Conservative/UUP/DUP sectarian pact for Fermanagh South Tyrone. Here are a few of the more interesting quotes from the media and other blogs…
The unionist unity deal in Fermanagh South Tyrone highlights a major stress line — some would say contradiction — in the thinking behind the UUP’s pact with the Conservatives. David Gordon, Belfast Telegraph
It undermines, possibly fatally, the main publicised selling-point behind the UUP and Conservative link-up. Election pacts such as this can not deliver the new pro-Union politics promised here. O’Neill, Pint of Unionist Lite
The outcome in the UK’s most westerly constituency clearly runs contrary to David Cameron’s pledge that every voter in the UK would have a chance to vote for him. Stephen Walker, BBC NI
Tories break pledge to field candidates in all Northern Ireland constituencies. Nicolas Watt, The Guardian
I believe that the deal was a huge mistake on the part of the Conservative leadership and one which they will eventually regret. Seymour Major, Tory Story
The announcement of a Tory-aligned unionist ‘unity’ candidate is a serious attempt to drive us back to the failed sectarian politics of the past. Feargal McKinney SDLP Candidate for Fermanagh South Tyrone
Given that many of the quotes you have used came from sources who have liberally quoted you this is a trifle self referential Jeff.
Still never mind. I see you even made it to the ST (Irish Edition)today as the tame Tory prepared to do Cameron down with a few juicy soundbites as he throws teddy in the corner.
I do have to say that your comments ow seem to e to much more ‘me me me’ than issues of principle
Poptential FST Voter…this comment seems very out of line with earlier (rather supportive) comments you have been making on this thread. Why the change?
Only one of the articles I have cited in the post refers to me.
But several of those names, both journalists and politicians, are anti-unionist or socialist.
Anyway you knew from the beginning this was not equal citizenship. Indeed it should not have been played as such. It was always the Conservatives attaching themselves to an ethnic party, albeit one that is non-sectarian and reasonably modern.
A pity if the only result of UCUNF is the return of a largely abstentionist, Labour whip-taking, anti-Conservative hardline nationalist MP for South Belfast.
For it was McDonnell who called the Hatfield meeting the “naked sectarian play of the Orange card”.
Jeff
I genuinely do think you have still a lot to offer the party and should stay in there but I am afraid some of your comments I find have gone over the top completely. I would just ask you to consider if you are losing perspective on this.
I mean this seriously and in a supportive way. I understand your position (but don’t agree with it)
“For it was McDonnell who called the Hatfield meeting the “naked sectarian play of the Orange card”
…. and for that if nothing else he deserves to lose his seat
thougt you might like this
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49264146@N05/4520549727/
Excellent. Will feature in a post.