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Ulster Unionists are a party of the Union: working for an honest sharing of power and a fair, inclusive agenda for all

UUP members prepare for their Annual Barbecue & Dance on Friday, 3rd July at 8 pm - pictured with host, Billy Armstrong MLA, are Sandra Overend, Sadie Johnston, Callum Crawford, Cllr Jackie Crawford, Glynis Armstrong, Juli Uprichard and Mark Hill.

The most extraordinary aspect of Peter Robinson's latest News Letter interview is his refusal to acknowledge that the DUP's collapsed vote might have something to do with him personally, or with the fact that the DUP seems to have abandoned every pledge it ever made!

Instead, he strikes out at Jim Allister (the very man he brought back into politics in 2004) and at the UUP. He talks of unionist unity in one breath and then attacks the very people and parties he claims to want to improve relationships with. He talks about being the 'largest unionist party' yet seems oblivious to the fact that, unlike 2004, 2005 and 2007, the DUP is no longer the majority voice of unionism.

The Ulster Unionist Party has made some very tough decisions over the years and on almost every occasion all we got from the DUP was criticism. They promised a 'fairer deal,' but it never materialized. They promised to 'restore unionist confidence,' but have seen their own vote halved. They promised to 'keep Sinn Fein under the cosh,' but have concluded a deal with them which makes Sinn Fein a very powerful force of obstruction in the Executive Committee. They promised that 'unionists would be in control of the political agenda,' but can do nothing without Sinn Fein's permission. They promised to 'unite unionism,' then presided over the creation of the TUV.

So, instead of the usual attack dog approach to politics, Mr. Robinson would be better advised to put his own house in order. Everything the DUP promised has turned to dust.

Ulster Unionist Party
First Floor, 174 Albertbridge Road,
Belfast BT5 4GS
Tel: 028 9046 3200
Fax: 028 9045 6899