Unionism Anything but United

You Know Yourself..

So it appears there is movement. It seems, at last, the DUP have realised that Republicans are not going to be driven from the table and that the issues important to our community must be dealt with. Well, this is true at least with relation to Policing and Justice.

But is there a real change, or is it simply that the strategy of Sinn Féin has brought the DUP over the line?

The answer is for everyone to judge, but who can’t see the turmoil political unionism is now in. Where is the united party Paisley once flaunted against everyone? It seems without the once commanding figure of Dr Demagogue, the DUP don’t know how to function.

Robinson is in poll position, but he’s looking over his shoulder at Mr Dodds, at good old party-jumper Jeffery, the Most Cultural Minister in Ireland Gregory Campbell (and vice-chairperson of the Westminster, Rangers Supporters Club!) and who can forget the Queen of Inequality and “first lady”…yeah right… his lady wife and regular thorn in his side, Iris. Really not knowing, what they’re going to say or do next!

And who can forget our old “friend” Ian Óg. What of this once important unionist, political visionary?? Clearly put in his place since Daddy has been ushered, surely not pushed, to one side.

But perhaps the most terrifying of all for Peter, is the ever outspoken, loose cannon they call Allister. Jim Allister and his new baby, the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), put the fear of God into the DUP leadership, whatever that leadership is. The chief scaremongers of the past 30 years are now being scare mongered themselves, by one of their own.

Let’s hope Robinson is going to deliver on the agreements made. And let’s hope he can bring those sections of Unionism who don’t realise, to accept that the Fenians are here and they’re in Government.

The DUP can claim victory for the latest round of negotiation if they wish, but I think the turmoil they are in shows the truth. The reality is Sinn Féin forced their hand, not the opposite. Whatever of the PR, Unionism has moved on a principle the DUP said not so long ago, they wouldn’t let happen.

Change is afoot.