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DUP: We got the message as a result of Euro elections
Monday, 23 November 2009
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The DUP intends to go after former members, waverers who have drifted towards hardliner Jim Allister and “stay at home” voters, by going on the offensive.
Deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the party had “got the message” from its supporters who stayed away at the European election earlier this year.
The husband of the party's successful candidate, Diane Dodds, who ousted incumbent Allister, admitted the party had lost some voters while others remained at home.
“To those pro-Union voters I say simply this — ‘message received and understood'. The DUP learns its political lessons,” he said.
And veteran MP Rev William McCrea said despite the “bile being spewed out” and “old scores being settled” the party should reach out the hand of friendship to those “who once were in our ranks.”
Strident attacks on Mr Allister were a strong feature of the gathering at the La Mon Hotel, where attendance was up on last year to more than 500, but the most personal came from Mr McCrea, who again led the traditional singing of ‘we shall not be moved'.
However, Mr Allister hit back, claiming the DUP's “preoccupation with TUV at their conference is testament to our effect and impact in holding to account and exposing those who welshed on their pledges and principles”.
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Sean, much as you would everyone to discover their 'Irishness' (something has to be there in the first place in order to be discovered), Billy Leonard must need his head examined-Sinn Fein holds no attraction whatsoever for unionists. They have made zero effort to understand the unionist viewpoint and seek a monocultural "North of Ireland", much like yourself.
Posted by Unionist voter | 27.11.09, 13:04 GMT
What is wrong with you people you have no choice but to share power with your republican neighbours. The Irish aprtheid is over, bring on the next elections when we will have a new first minister called Martin, you could see the light like Billy Leonard did and discover your Irishness. We welcome all people into our party vote Sinn Fein!!
Posted by sean from Co Down Ireland | 26.11.09, 19:31 GMT
As i listened to the speeches, my stomach churned at the hypocrisy - so many failed promises to the electorate and sharing power which they said they wouldn't do. But when personal power, prowess and money takes over all else pales into insignificance.
The DUPers can reach out all they want - they are wasting ther time. As for the school boy antics of Sammy Wilson and Willie McCrea!! - say no more.
Posted by Another Ex DUP Voter | 25.11.09, 06:22 GMT
Try running a campaign on what you can do for the people of Northern Ireland and then deliver it without dragging your heels.
The old campaign of "vote for us to keep themuns out" does not work anymore. Trust me, that is the continued broken record of the TUV and is against the wishes of the people of Northern Ireland.
I say that because, Mr Pasiley, Sinn Fein are a legitimately elected party who represent a significant portion of the population. Unfortunately for yourself and the TUV, Sinn Fein will likely be the largest party in the Assembly thanks to the bickering in unionism. Fundamental extremists like Jim Allister will see to that with people continually feeding into his bile.
Posted by Ulysses32 | 24.11.09, 12:12 GMT
They can reach out all they want, I won't be voting for them ever again.
Those who break their promises are not worthy of anyone's vote!
The signal that the message of the European election has been received and understood would be to refuse to continue to place unrepentant terrorists at the heart of government!
Posted by ex Dup voter | 23.11.09, 15:58 GMT
The agorance of the DUPe who seem to think that it is the voters who are in the wrong and should be reached out to! The DUP political position is fundamentally flawed - they share power with terrorists - THIS is one main reason why they lost so much support!
What have they done to change any of their flawed polices since the Euro election to entice any support back ?
Absolutely nothing!
You cannot square a round hole.
The DUPer's will get their answers in the next general and local elections!
Posted by John Pasiley | 23.11.09, 14:51 GMT
Allister is right, the DUPers are clearly concerned.
What concerns me more than obsessing over these morons however is why the elctorate vote for any of them.
Can anyone give me good reason as to why they would vote DUP or TUV? The only people either of these parties serve are themselves.
Posted by M S | 23.11.09, 14:27 GMT