The Conservative Party Chairman has written to the UUP recommending the winding-up of the UUP next year.
I was today forwarded a letter that has been sent to all members of the Conservative Party in Northern Ireland. The letter suggests that the Conservative Party chairman, Lord Feldman of Elstree, has addressed a letter to the Ulster Unionist leader, Tom Elliott, outlining an offer to “move Conservatism forward in Northern Ireland.”
The letter to local Conservative Party members continues, “This offer will involve the dissolution of the UUP early next year and the formation of a new Conservative led party, under the constitution of the national Conservative party, which will operate along the lines of the parties in Scotland and Wales.
“This offer is being made with the express approval of the Prime Minister, the Board of the Conservative Party, as well as the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party, Irwin Armstrong.
“It proposes a Northern Ireland Conservative party which can reach out to everyone in Northern Ireland, irrespective of background and tradition, unencumbered by the conflict and divisions which mark our past.”
If this move truly means the winding-up of the Ulster Unionist Party – then this is a move to be welcomed. However, I look forward to hearing the response from the UUP leadership.
The move almost certainly means that a large cohort of UUP members has broken ranks with the UUP leadership and now wants to do business with the Conservative Party – while building a new local, non-sectarian identity. That, also, is to be welcomed.
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Wow – quite a wind up! Unless half the party MLAs, membership (and funding) left the UUP, the leadership would never agree?
The UUP are doomed but why would they want to be swallowed up by an even smaller political entity in Northern Ireland. The UCUNF project was a disaster and confirmed the feeling that the Tory brand is toxic in Northern Ireland. I think the UUP will be winding up soon enough without any additional help!
Seeing any of the traditional little ulsterman parties disappear is obviously a great thing, however this move would only sully the electorates view of the conservatives. Name changes happen a lot quicker than memories fade and this would never truely be an inclusive platform to launch from.
The conservatives must expose the uup as the incompetent policy free occasionally left leaning that they are and fight them on policy.
Unless the Conservative Party HQ knows the answer already, this is either a way an end to the spectacle of the two parties dancing round their handbags or the dumbest offer I have seen in a long time. Electorally, given that most political parties are there to gain seats, what is in this for the UUP? If it was money they would have been alongside the Conservatives a long time ago. ‘Wind yourself up and join us’ as the total offer – from a marginal group in NI that is currently being undermined by internal subgroup which is seeking to steer politics who knows where based on its fuzzy thinking to date – ain’t a great deal.
What was most interesting in this letter is the phrase “irrespective of background or tradition”. Are we to presume therefore that the Conservatives are now neutral on the Union, or is this phrase meaningless and persons of a nationalist/republican tradition are not in fact to be welcomed as members?
“irrespective of background or tradition”
Dissenter
Isn’t it great to see a clear unequivocal statement that the days of ‘no Catholics, Blacks or Jews’ in the UUP are drawing to an end. Dear heavens, they may even let women in.
As a voter my problem is this,
I cannot vote DUP because they are sectarian to the core
I cannot vote Alliance because they vacillate and I dont really know what they stand for
I cannot vote UUP because it is divided internally with faction fighting more important than anything else, It lacks vision, discriminates against all sorts of people and is a policy shambles with different factions led by strong figures competing for the sake of fighting with each other. It has also been bought by the Fermanagh Rump who are fighting on issues the rest of the world forgot about 20 years ago. Oh yes, and Tom Elliott is a perfectly nice man but not a dynamic leader who can inspire.
The UUP is a broken down hulk. It has lost its masts and is at the mercy of the seas as it drifts towards rocks. Bereft of purpose the crew have resorted to political cannibalism
So I don’t vote. But I will vote for and join a centre-right national party
Chris, well said. I think it’s a move in the right direction (pun intended). However, it remains to be seen how genuine the Conservative Party is being.
Well Chris, I have never known when ‘Catholics, Blacks and Jews’ were not welcome in the UUP and frankly you should not speak from a position of clear ignorance, nor insult female MLAs of the UUP currently. Nor would I equate nationalist with Catholic, largely because that insults many who would be Catholic and Unionist. You may say that is only a few, but they are none the less important, and to be respected the more for being a few and being different.
As for faction-ridden Party, you have not seen anything until you see the Tory Party at war with itself. I don’t think even the Editor could disagree with that.
Interesting though, David, that no Catholic candidates were selected to run under the UCUNF banner despite some excellent (Conservative Party) members being put forward. I agree that the Conservative Party is hardly guiltless. As a young Councillor in England I was often shocked by the unhidden racism of many members of my local constituency association. However, these days, I think it’s fair to say that The Conservative Party is very much more inclusive and liberal (ahem) as a Party than the UUP – a party still dominated by white, male, Protestant God-squaders.
It is sad that in Northern Ireland many people are so insular they only recognise 2 traditions when we have a rainbow of traditions here, to name but a few others Chinese, Indian, Polish, Latvian and Lithuanian. A visit to the fantastic Belfast Mela 2012 will educate those who have any doubts about this diversity.
When the Conservatives speak of traditions they speak of hundreds across the UK not only two in Northern Ireland. It therefore follows that they are 100% pro union.
Frustrated Democrat – well said, and you’re spot on.
A little surprised to see Dissenters apparent defence of the UUP given his support for the Campaign For Equal Citizenship in Fulham 25 years ago.
What’s changed?
The UUP has hardly changed since then and the need for national parties to organise PROPERLY here is as necessary as ever
Richard fair point but I have a slightly uneasy feeling that this whole initiative might just be a tactic by CCHQ to finally get rid of the Conservatives in Northern Ireland. The letter to Elliott is proposing the creation of some type of hybrid UUP/Ulster Tory gig thing that sounds like a bit of a cop-out to me. Your challenge is to find someone to lead this new Heath Robinson construct and my concern is that there is precious little political talent to choose from in either the UUP or the runt of the Conservatives in NI that is left after the UCUNF fiasco.
I understand your concern Jeff and given the events of last December, your distrust.
Yet the facts are that many within the UUP actually want this, as you may have evidenced in your time in the NI Conservatives.
Many are genuinely non sectarian, centre of right thinking Conservatives, but need convinced of the vehicle that is required to move things forward.
Many as you will no doubt agree are discontented with the current leadership of that party.
We shall watch developments with interest, in the meantime have you any thoughts on a brighter alternative?
Richard, I was initially impressed when I heard about this initiative but less so when I read the text of Feldman’s letter in the Newsletter. The tone of the letter suggested that Feldman wanted to see the creation of a new UCUNF, neither UUP nor Conservative. My concern is that this will be another dog’s dinner of a political construct. However, it’s unlikely that the UUP will agree to it (unless a carve-up has been arranged behind the scenes). Therefore if the UUP says ‘no’ we have the real prospect of a new brand being created that has similarly awful electoral prospects as the Conservatives in NI – because of poor leadership, next to no organisational abilities etc. – with the added burden of a lot of UUP dead-wood. Moreover, the suggestion is that this would be a new local Party. We’ve enough of those. As to my brighter alternative I’m not sure I can offer one. The SDLP and UUP are dying given their appalling incompetence. Perhaps my greatest hope is that we’ll see the secularisation of the DUP and Sinn Fein – and perhaps the splintering of both parties. But I’m not holding my breath. Nor am I inclined to get involved in local Party politics again any time soon. Frankly, I’m beginning to give up on any notion I ever had that we’ll see the British parties organise here and the normalisation of our politics through party-political sea-change. Devolution killed any prospect of integration. What we’re left with is a regional/local brand of politics that I find revolting – but it’s probably here for the duration.
I think you are in danger of over analysing things Jeff. This is a fed up Conservative leadership saying ‘measure up or ship out’ – fully expecting the UUP to become outraged and say no.
The challenge of building a strong NI Conservative brand with a few of the sane folk from the UUP is difficult -but it is surely the way foward?
John I hope you are right.
”Interesting though, David, that no Catholic candidates were selected to run under the UCUNF banner despite some excellent (Conservative Party) members being put forward”
Didnt a number resign after it became clear Cameron had back tracked on his candidate in every constituency vow when a deal was forged with the DUP in FST and one was considered in South Belfast!.
John, well pointed-out.
UCUNF was Westminister not Assembly. In fact the three Conservative candidates resigned before final selection was completed, so we’ll never know what would have happened had the UCUNF not died before it was born as a result. In the Assembly Conservatives took no part in the elections, and at Council failed to get anyone elected and no idea who stood for them or where.
I understand your concerns Jeff but if you read the letter again you will see that what Feldman is proposing with not take the form of anything different from that which will happen in Scotland or Wales. And the Scottish Party has taken a direction recently which will not involve seperation. It is no co-incidence that this letter and this decision is AFTER events in Scotland taking place in the last 2 weeks. Their recently elected leader has indicated this.
I am cautiously optimistic that this proposal and other signals that we are getting e.g more invites to meetings in London etc, indicate a change of direction with CCHQ which suggests that they are more willing to jettison the UUP when it is quite unwilling to reform or become more forward looking.
As far as I can see that is taking the form of an offer, which if they were wise in their present position they would accept. It’s also ultimately a golden opportunity for them to show their true unionist credentials
The whole UUP/Tory thing it seems to me is fast running out of road its being eighteen months since the gen election.One would of thought both the Tories and the UUP would of made there minds up what they want to do by now the whole thing is a farce.
Thought Alex Kane’s piece in Monday’s News Letter brought the issue fairly sharpish to the key points. A merged party would be overwhelmingly UUP, and it could be expected little change in leadership or officers – a few from the local Conservatives for face but marginal. But alone, and diving for the crowded centre of NI politics what options are there for the NI Conservatives? http://www.newsletter.co.uk/community/columnists/alex_kane_ni_tories_now_dead_in_the_water_1_3245073
Although it pains me to say it I suspect Alex is correct in his analysis. There is simply too much water under the bridge – and too much CCHQ baggage to trust the Party’s intentions. Plus – with no disrespect to the local Conservative leadership – there is precious little political talent or leadership within it, and it’s all tainted by the UCUNF shambles and the lack of political principle that going along with UCUNF represents.
Jeff I think some posters have missed the point the merger has being rejected by the UUP.I think the outcome will see some kind of deal where if elected the UUP will take the Tory whip at westminster that will involve the NI Cobservatives being wound up next year.
Tom you may be correct. CCHQ is always up to funny business. One thing is sure, Northern Ireland is not high on CCHQ’s campaigning agenda. Whatever is expedient and without much principle will be CCHQ’s preferred option.
Tom that remark is soooo wide of the mark your surname must be Elliott! any wager you like that what you dream of will not come to pass
“Bob” – thanks for that. As you know I have no inside perspective on any of this. But while I pitched this story as Feldman insisting on the UUP being wound-up, the text of Feldman’s letter is very different. It states, “My suggestion is this: that we take urgent steps to execute what would be in effect a full merger of our two parties under the banner of Conservatism and Unionism.” This involves the disbanding of both the UUP and the Conservative Party here. Given the numbers in the UUP and the clear lack of success (for reasons I’m well aware of) of the Conservatives here, the long term future of the Conservative Party presence here seems numbered.
Moreover, you – Bob Wilson – have been serially duped by CCHQ. You merrily spun the idea that the Conservatives intended to “get the UUP off the ballot paper”. Instead the outcome was the UUP made off like bandits with Lord Ashcroft’s dosh, squandered it all on an unholy mess of a general election campaign, and made the Conservative Party look ridiculous after the FST carve-up. Now you appear to be claiming that CCHQ only has the local Conservatives’ interests at heart. It seems to me it just wants to create a new UCUNF (NICUP) with the same old dead-wood.
I hope I’m wrong. But the fact that Feldman insists on keeping that “U” in place in the new name for the new Party implies I’m not. Same old, same old thinking.
Jeff Thank you for your reply which i think is a very fair and balanced post.I am a bit disappointed by Bobs comments.I am just pointing out what might happen it seems jeff that the link needs to be sorted out one way or the other.
Jeff I was never duped by CCHQ – let down maybe!
I suspect Lord Feldman’s analysis of the UCUNF episode is not a million miles from ours
The first question to ask yourself re the letter is ‘would the UUP cut a deal on this basis’. The answer is clearly no
Bob, I’ll give Feldman the benefit of the doubt.
Bob why are you attacking me.I am merely pointing out one of the options that may or may not happen.I do hope the link is sorted out ASAP it seems to be causing nothing but bad feeling it seems for some NI Conservatives and UUP people.That maybe the reason for the letter calling for both to disband and start afresh under a new party.
Tom sorry wasnt meaning to be ‘attacking’. The Prime Minister too wants the link sorted out, just as Lord Feldman and Irwin Armstrong do. The letter spells out how that will be done; there will be no more half way houses or any deal whereby UUP MPs (should there ever be any again) take the UUP.
The Conservatives want those who want to change politics to move on and join with them as part of a strong UK wide centre right movement. And I believe that many UUP members will welcome that commitment
I don’t think a letter has ever created so many conspiracy theories!
Reading Slugger O’Toole and what’s written here I think I collected about 6 or more theories.
Let me suggest something else really quite simple. The Conservatives have had enough of the UUP and are now prepared to move ahead without them.
This is in line with their investment in the new Bangor office, the chairman’s remarks at NI Reception in Manchester in October that the party is here to stay and will vigorously campaign for new members and seat at ‘all levels’.
I can also inform you Jeff that relations with CCHQ have never been better and invites to meetings in London have increased and the feeling that we are part of a bigger operation is very evident.
People can speculate all they like but after Christmas the party here is moving on to brighter things and you will see more and more evidence of this. Alex Kane is out of touch and deluded, we are now on the inside seeing what’s happening and it’s no co-incidence that Irwin Armstrong’s name has appeared and will continue to appear on correspondence and he has become more involved in day to day decisions.
All of this points away from the UUP and this talk of the NI Conservatives being disbanded is fictional.
Richard, I was on the inside for long enough to know that the CCHQ team can be charming. But UCUNF was a very bitter pill and it will take me a bit of time to get over. Your saving grace is the fact that I haven’t met Feldman – therefore I’m prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. But the local Conservative leadership will need professionalising very quickly if this thing is to be a success. And I’d hope that if a new Party is to be formed it will be established from the get-go as being a progressive, right-of-centre Party aligned to the Conservative Party in London. Therefore I’d hope that the word Unionist does not appear in the name of the Party. The constitutional issue is done. It’s time to move on.
Since the UUP have no intention of taking up this offer its pointless speculating on a new party and a new name, wouldn’t you agree?
What is clear is that Elliott will not run with this and the Conservative Party is prepared to move on.
Is it possible that that possibility is really what’s rattling Alex Kane? At least you Jeff, having left the party, have since then held to the principles of equal citizenship. Is it really so bad that David Cameron wants to bring NI into mainstream politics? This letter is in accord with his express wishes.
The intention of UCUNF was to reached this objective. Feldman is giving them a final opportunity in the direction David Cameron wishes NI to go, the door is only open until Christmas.
Personally, I am looking forward to a brighter New Year.
Richard, it’s just a pity that David Cameron was of the view in 2009 that doing a deal with the UUP was the way forward for Conservatism in Northern Ireland. I hope he has seen the folly of his ways.
I think you’re pushing things to suggest that the UCUNF debacle was all a cunning plan for this outcome. Did that plan also include the Party Board firing me as a democratically elected Area Officer?
But that is all water under the bridge. This is politics after all. I’m prepared to give Andrew Feldman the benefit of the doubt. I’m looking forward to a positive outcome and a modern, progressive centre-right party created that’s aligned to the national Conservative Party. I’d also be delighted to help with any research work you may need to sanity check the proposed branding with the electorate. (I may even give you a discounted day-rate).
Thanks for the offer Jeff!
Since clearly the UUP as a whole are not going to run with Feldman’s proposals you can be assured that the ‘U’ will not be universally popular with those of us who want to proceed with the partys plans.
There is a lot going on in the background Jeff and you will see developments early in the New Year. Similar things will be happening in Scotland. Basically the party needs reinventing outside the south of England, and that will include an exciting programme in NI.
Well, Tom Elliott has, at last made his reponse to Feldman’s proposals.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/uup-wont-be-dissolved-16094777.html
The response is not particularly surprising but the most interesting part about it was the length of time that it took Tom Elliott to respond – nearly 6 weeks, suggesting a waryness within the UUP that the letter from Feldman was setting some sort of a trap.
The UUP would have been right to be wary. The Letter had the hallmarks of a trap. In other words, a course of action has already been planned in anticipation that the offer would be rejected. What, then, is the Conservative “Plan B”?
My guess is that at some time in 2012, new separate independent parties will be launched in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Scottish party has some assets and would, in my view, have a good chance of survival and may eventually thrive. An independant NI Conservative Party (probably with a different name) has, in my view, little chance of medium term survival. I say this despite the fact that it can reasonably expect to pick up some new members from the UUP. The big problem they have is that the DUP is already an established regional centre-right power which is moving towards moderation.
CCHQ, meanwhile, will wait a couple of years to monitor the new party’s progress. If it is found to be making insignificant progress by 2014 (I believe that is highly probable), the odds are that come the next election, they will begin negotianting a ‘confidence and supply’ agreement, if not a coalition agreement, with the DUP.
Seymour, I’m not sure CCHQ spends the time contemplating and plotting re. Northern Ireland that you suggest. But I would agree that CCHQ would not rule out some type of relationship with the DUP if it helped avoid another coalition deal with the LibDems. I actually think that a NI Conservative Party would have some good electoral prospects if it a) avoided appointing former UUP dead-wood to run it and b) appointed a good communicator as a figure-head. It may find itself with a good talent-pool to choose from – or not. We’ll see.