Independent Unionist MLA for North Down
Gallery Premium What has tipped the balance of power for unionism at the polls? Since 1998, the proportion of unionist Assembly seats in Belfast has dropped by 20%.
Cost of living, housing and Emergency Fuel Payment Scheme feature in first Assembly questions of the new mandate The cost-of-living crisis, housing and an emergency fuel payment scheme: these are just some of the most pressing issues covered in the first written Assembly questions for Stormont’s caretaker ministers.
Play North Down: All five MLAs elected as Alliance takes two seats The North Down count has finally concluded after two days, with Connie Egan of the Alliance Party as the fifth MLA, joining party colleague Andrew Muir.
Premium Sam McBride Opinion DUP and Sinn Féin are the weary front runners in election race but are all out of ideas There can’t be a system of government in which it matters less who wins and who comes second than in Northern Ireland. The first and deputy first ministers can’t so much as change the colour of their departmental logo without seeking the other’s permission. They are shackled together in a compulsory loveless marriage.
Four ex-DUP councillors back Alex Easton as independent candidate in North Down Four ex-DUP councillors have endorsed independent unionist Alex Easton in his bid to hold his North Down Assembly seat.
Gallery Premium exclusive DUP councillor quits party to back Easton for election in May A DUP councillor has resigned from the party in order to support independent unionist MLA Alex Easton in his campaign to be re-elected in North Down.
Premium Diane Forsythe was the best candidate and I wish Edwin accepted it: Sammy Wilson Sammy Wilson has voiced strong support for Diane Forsythe’s selection as the DUP’s South Down candidate — and said he was disappointed that Edwin Poots had not accepted the decision.
Premium Suzanne Breen Opinion SF’s Michelle O’Neill in pole position to land Stormont’s top job... but it’s not a done deal yet If the polls are right, Sinn Fein is set to romp home in May’s Assembly election.
Political comings and goings so far in 2021 It has been a busy year so far in 2021 for politicians who have either defected from their political parties to join others, or have left altogether to sit as independents.
Former DUP councillor joins Ulster Unionist Party A former Democratic Unionist Party councillor has said he did “not take lightly” his decision to join rivals the Ulster Unionist Party.
Premium Suzanne Breen Opinion DUP’s Donaldson has performed well since taking over, but is there really any healing or is he papering over the cracks? Coming just four days after he lost an MLA, Ryan McCready’s decision to join the Ulster Unionists is the last thing Sir Jeffrey Donaldson needs.
DUP leader ‘wants to see party heal’ DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said he wants to see his party heal after the deep divisions that have caused chaos in the ranks in recent months.
Play Easton defiant after DUP exit spoils the party for Donaldson An Assembly Member who resigned from the DUP just after Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was ratified as party leader has said he has “no regrets”.
Premium Alex Kane Opinion Alex Easton DUP walkout elevates Sinn Fein to biggest Assembly party… and will further worry MLAs over seat safety Jeffrey Donaldson’s first official speech as DUP leader was measured and low-key: no rabble-rousing to please those organising the recent anti-protocol meetings and no promises about things he knows are probably undeliverable.
