Local Conservatives are dropping me heavy hints that they will be fielding candidates in next year’s Assembly elections – in opposition to former ‘partners’ in the UUP. This decision is to be welcomed.
However, it may be the case that the Conservatives in NI will return to a position they occupied prior to the UCUNF debacle. CCHQ has always regarded Conservatives here as some type of lunatic fringe. While the disgraceful, and incompetent, antics of the UUP during the recent general election campaign may have changed central office’s opinion, I’m still not sure that the national party will be much inclined towards investing heavily in an election campaign here.
I hope I’m wrong. Perhaps Owen Paterson and Jonathan Caine will have convinced the powers that be that local Conservatives are worth the investment. However, it is questionable, given the bum steer that both gave in terms of UCUNF’s prospects of success, that anyone will listen.
Moreover, even if CCHQ does provide support and back-up, one really has to ask what people here would be asked to vote for. After all, the perception is that the coalition government is implementing the austerity measures here that will result in huge cuts to the Executive’s budget (this is nonsense, by the way – the budget deal for NI is very, very fair). Moreover, voters will be confused as to what Conservatives might stand for in the Assembly.
At a more fundamental level, local Conservatives have no effective or media savvy spokespeople, few familiar faces, and little if any political marketing talent.
I have always said that it is vital that the Conservatives are allowed to contest Assembly elections. If nothing else, fighting the UUP in the elections will give the Conservatives vital space to restore their non-sectarian credentials.
Let us hope that the rumours are true
The full facilities and marketing talent of CCHQ however. Not to be underestimated Jeff.
And if they are to be substantially investing now in Northern Ireland, someone with ability in GB may want the job of marketing.
My only concern is the term of the investment, for there is no quick fix to the problems here and the manifestation of it in our so called local political parties.
Unless we are to see a repeat of this time last year, time is of the essence!
The full facilities and talent of CCHQ didn’t exactly shine during the general election. But we’ll see…
Fair point Jeff and food for thought.
Lessons should be learnt from May.
I think you will agree however that its going to take a long term investment of maybe 10 years from CCHQ to make any substantial difference here.
Your absolutely right about the cuts factor, it will undoubtedly affect the campaign. That’s why I think we have to see this as a long term strategy.