Analysis: The Force is with Jim, but can it return him to Europe?

The European election is the first big test for the Ulster Conservative and Unionist New Force and its candidate Jim Nicholson, writes Lesley-Anne Henry

With his Conservative allies, Jim Nicholson is determined to bring about ‘real, meaningful change’Northern Ireland’s longest serving MEP will be drawing on all of his experience as he leads the line for a new political party on June 4.

Jim Nicholson has 20 years of fighting European elections under his belt, but retaining his well-worn seat is the first big test for the fledgling Ulster Conservative and Unionist New Force.

The veteran politician who sat in the Northern Ireland Assembly for four years from 1982 and was an MP for Newry and Armagh between 1983 and 1985, was first elected to the European Parliament in 1989.

Since then he has held some of the political institution’s important prestigious positions and even topped the poll twice to become a quaestar — the highest European Parliamentary role ever held by a representative from Northern Ireland.

The father-of-seven has always publicly endorsed the recent Ulster Unionist Conservative deal claiming it would give voters from Northern Ireland a real voice on national issues.

“For far too long Northern Ireland’s voters have been semi-detached in terms of input and influence, having little or no impact on Westminster or European politics because their representatives have belonged to small regional parties rather than to strong national parties,” he said.

In 1985 however, he was not so keen for any such alignment after he and the other unionists walked out of the House of Commons in protest at the Anglo Irish Agreement signed by the then Conservative prime minister, Margaret Thatcher. In the following election Mr Nicholson was the only MP not re-elected.

His popularity lies mainly within the rural community and as a member of the European Parliament’s agricultural committee has regularly championed the cause of the farmer with Common Agriculture Policy reform. As part of the fisheries committee he helped bring an end to the damaging Common Fisheries Policy.

Mr Nicholson also sits on the regional transport and tourism committees and has helped to secure about £2bn in peace funding for Northern Ireland.

He has also campaigned for more jobs, less red tape, an improved environment and better transport links.

Jim Nicholson has also consistently opposed the new federal European Constitution and is in favour of retaining the pound and has called for a review into the use of the Irish language in the European Parliament.

In more recent years however, his appeal has waned and he has had to rely on transfers to secure his seat.

His first preference vote fell from almost 24% in 1994 to less than 17% in 2004.

Earlier this year he was forced to defend himself against criticism over his expenses claims for flights.

And in the past fortnight his battle for victory in Europe has been dealt several more damaging blows.

First came the announcement by Lady Sylvia Hermon. The UUP’s only MP said that she would not fight the next General Election under the joint parties banner.

And, most recently, the chairman of the North Down branch, Mark Brooks, defected to the DUP — Mr Nicholson’s main rivals.

He has also been ridiculed for his election slogan — “Vote for Change”.

A defiant Mr Nicholson has, however, hit back.

“But change isn't just built on newness and novelty.

“Real, meaningful, deliverable change has to be built on experience, allied to a vision and a thought-out agenda for the future,” he said.

“I have that experience.

“I am asking people to vote for change at this election and I can assure them that we in the Conservatives and Unionists will build upon that vote in the years ahead and continue to bring change at every level of politics here.

“I offer a credible prospect of much needed change. The other candidates offer the same-old, same-old,” he said.

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Belfast Telegraph