Unionism stronger

It's good to see Unionism reaching out of its comfort zone to a wider pan UK vision.This is what Unionism is about;promoting and strengthening the Union

The Euro election shows the DUP can no longer threaten the electorate into voting for them to top the poll,not only did the DUP fail to top the poll but they came in a poor third failing to reach quota.Mrs Dodds' floundering campaign was reduced to a last ditch failed attempt to polarize the electorate and it was left to Jim Nicholson to win the first Unionist seat far exceeding the quota.More and more people want to discuss real issues, with DUP in government with Sinn Fein and both together actively participating in a devolutionist settlement topping the poll is no more than just a remnant of the old tribal secatarian conflict.Furthermore all three European seats carry equal weight.

While the Union is important the electorate is now wiser and realize it is the quality of the Union that is now important with the need to strengthen and deepen the Union.With David Cameron declaring his selfish and strategic interest in maintaining the Union ,Unionism can feel more confident with its new links with an actively pro Union Conservative and Unionist Party.There is no longer a real threat to the Union as signalled strongly last week by an Irish Government Minister, Martin Mansergh saying the economic crisis in the Irish Republic is so serious that it was a serious battle for survival to maintain their freedom to make economic decisions.He said the Irish Republic was engaged in a major struggle to maintain economic independence and sovereignty.The euro actually fell when the Republic of Ireland's credit rating was reduced last week making borrowing on on international markets more costly.He signalled clearly that there was no appetite for a united Ireland and an ending of partition.The Union has never been safer.

Johnny Andrews

Ulster Unionist Part