'United we stand, divided we fall'
FROM:- R Linton, Craigavon
In all of the recent publicity over the imminent resignation of Cllr Mark Russell and the possibility of a co-option/by-election it seems to me that there are still too many unionists in Craigavon who are simply incapable of learning any lessons.
Upper Bann faces the distinct possibility that a severely split unionist vote could let Sinn Fein win the Westminster seat. This would be a massive shot in the arm to the cause of Irish unity, giving the impression of a new momentum in that direction. Yet some unionist ‘representatives’ simply can’t get their heads out of their own backsides and seem to need to turn all of their fire on one another.
Take the recent agreement reached between the DUP and TUV over the council seat currently held by the TUV’s Mark Russell.
Even though it was TUV leader Jim Allister who approached the DUP, Cllr Russell signalled his resignation with a series of attacks upon the very DUP he had sought a deal with – accusing them of “betrayal” in the local press.
The UUP having already agreed the co-option of a DUP Councillor and not one, but two Sinn Feiners, hurled all kinds of abuse at fellow unionists and threatened a by-election; with Arnold Hatch talking of hypocrisy and arrogance and all kinds of things – the same Alderman Hatch was himself co-opted onto the council in the past.
It is laughable on one level, but on a much more basic and fundamental level it is an appalling spectacle.
The only exception to this outbreak of unionist suicide politics and infighting was Craigavon DUP. They at least have behaved with some dignity, sought to be concilliatory, and paid some regard to the wider interests of Unionism.
Craigavon DUP group leader Stephen Moutray said: “The DUP benefited from (co-option) following the very sad death of Cllr Fergie Dawson… did anyone ever really suppose that in such circumstances the DUP would suddenly oppose the co-option of a fellow unionist… had there been a by-election in Ballymoney there was the very real possibility that a split unionist vote could have seen a Sinn Fein councillor elected.. we simply could not let this be inflicted upon the long suffering unionist people in places like Rasharkin.”
The local Craigavon DUP Chairman was equally adamant. He said: “While there are very real differences in policy and approach between the DUP and TUV, the fact is that the vast majority of people who vote for the TUV are good, sincere and faithful unionists… we have urged greater unionist co-operation upon others. We were not about to fall down on that ourselves.”
While the general reaction and statements from some unionist politicians have been depressingly familiar, Craigavon DUP at least, appear to understand what unionists have been saying for years – United we stand, divided we fall.
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Weather for Carrick
Monday 06 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 3 mph
Wind direction: West
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