Simpson should be last person to comment on Unionist division

Ulster Unionist MLA Sam Gardiner has accused DUP MLA David Simpson of hypocrisy following recent comments in a local newspaper regarding division within Unionism.

Commenting on Mr Simpson's position the Upper Bann MLA said; "

"I find it quite amusing and particularly ironic that David Simpson should decide to come forward and address the issue of division within the Unionist community as he was one of those who fuelled that division for so long especially within my own constituency."

"Perhaps Mr Simpson has a short memory, but I for one remember the 2001 general election. If memory serves me correctly the appalling behaviour of DUP MLA's and supporters saw David Trimble and his wife Daphne subjected to a barrage of abuse. Are these the kind of actions that speak of unionist unity"

"He refers on a number of occasions to the constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Well if the DUP were so concerned with promoting unionism and protecting the unionist vote, why in the 2005 general-election in that constituency did the DUP back Jim Dickson - a man who said he would prefer a Sinn Fein councillor get elected than an Ulster Unionist one"

"In attempting to give a history lesson, Mr Simpson fails to recognise some significant and important facts. He says that there needs to be a new understanding within unionism that 'we should work together to prevent any nationalist/republican momentum from ever building up again.' I completely agree with Mr Simpson on this issue, although I believe our opinions may differ on how we would achieve that."

"I believe the best way to promote unionism is to prove that Northern Ireland can work - it should not mirror the 'us and them' state that the DUP has condemned us to. In Northern Ireland we need to attract the upwards of 150,000 non voters from the pro-union community and the 20% of Roman Catholics who want to remain in the UK - This is how we will build a Northern Ireland for all of us."

"As an Ulster Unionist I ultimately believe in promoting the Union and I therefore see the importance of working together. That is why the UUP is engaged in rebuilding alliances throughout the UK - to secure that Union and to ensure that Northern Ireland is an important part of it."

"My party did not divide unionism in the first place, and if Mr Simpson wants to lay blame on division, he needs look no further than his former Leader. They now talk of Unionist unity - however to the more observant it may appear to be a feeble attempt at self preservation."