Big on Society, Small on Principle (Image Wikipedia)
Conservative central office has never really cared for Conservatives who happen to reside in Northern Ireland. CCHQ has a history of being populated by people who think that people here only want to vote for sectarianism of one hue or another. Moreover, it has also employed its fair share of small-minded bigots.
This evening the Conservatives’ little-Ulster fossils have been trotted out to defend the policy of assuming the missionary position for the UUP. Laurence Robertson, who plays second fiddle to Owen Paterson, is probably closer to the DUP than he is to the UUP. But he’s certainly never been a friend of the Conservatives in Northern Ireland.
Barnoness Warsi, Tory Chairwoman, who favours a greater role for faith groups in the “Big Society” also appears to be fan of the Orange-soaked UUP. Big Society in Little Ulster. Great.
It has taken quite a while for the local Conservatives to see that Paterson, Robertson and CCHQ intended to systematically ignore them in seeking a deal with the rudderless and useless UUP. But, then again, the Conservative Party leadership is also in a coalition government with the rudderless and policy-devoid Lib Dems. So this is familiar territory.
The UUP seems to be in gloating mode that it has stolen a march on local Conservatives. But, frankly, who would want to be involved in a Conservative Party that is devoid of any perceptible Conservative values?
The politics of this once great United Kingdom seems to lack any political party with any vestige of any political principle. Instead we have the politics of local and national populism. Our Executive is incapable of agreeing a budget while, nationally, our Prime Minister, like the one before him, prefers to schmooze with celebrities, as an alternative to articulating any coherent policy positions.
Oh and today the Big Society turned out to be a requirement for us all to shovel grit.
In a world that seems increasingly like a confederacy of dunces Sammy Wilson is beginning to sound rational. Now that is a worry.
Hearing this today made me want to vommit. Can’t believe this is happening
Indeed Joel, Pass the sick bucket please. If DC can do this to a branch of his own party what else can he do. Alex Kane (former Conservative & UUP member) explains:
ANALYSIS: Machiavellian move kills NI Tories
- Show quoted text -
To paraphrase Machiavelli: “When you want to kill a former friend, first paralyse him and then leave his carcass for others to finish off.” Conservative Central Office has taken his advice. http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/ANALYSIS-Machiavellian-move-kills-NI.6654883.jp
Bitterly disappointing Jeff.
All the points you made are spot on. The Conservative Party is devoid of principle and the party of Thacther is long dead.
Clearly achieving the UUP’s support and unlikely future seats takes priority over non sectarian politics. But then it’s consistent if nothing else because its an extension of all that happened under UCUNF.
I’m totally disillusioned with Paterson and Cameron. I can inform you that Irwin was telephoned by Paterson the day before the announcement and Irwin was informed nothing had changed.
Irwin has worked extremely hard and it’s a huge personal blow to him for which we are all affected.
CCHQ have also said they look forward to co-operation with the UUP in regard to the next Wesminster and Euro elections. Robertson has said other parties should be considered also! Presumably the DUP, or are they considering Sinn Fein too?
If you see hope Jeff let me know!
Who would ever have predicted this outcome?
As disgusted as I am with the Conservatives internal party policy in NI, I still refuse to be a single issue political activist. The Conservative party, as far as Westminster politics has gone this term, have only very rarely caused me to think twice.
They are still the party of the UK, which includes NI. I just wish they would let the jurassic UUP die in peace, or shame, both would be acceptable.
I don’t know if you watched Strictly Come Dancing or not but I am interested in finding out what your views are on former mp Ann Widdecombe seeing as you ridicule Pope Benedict’s and the Catholic churches teachings?