Arlene, Edwin, her replacement and his replacement as leader of the DUP

CIARAN_BOYLE

awec wrote: »

The new leader must surely come from their pool of ministers or MPs. They will hardly leapfrog a MLA with no portfolio straight to the top?

Any MLA who was a minister before but lost their job as Arlene was unhappy with them out for revenge?

McMurphy

Unionism, or certainly the more hard-line conservative type unionism is in trouble I believe, Brexit, which the aforementioned hard-line conservative type cheered on ironically looks to be what'll be their downfall.

Hate to say I told them so*


*That might be a lie.

realdanbreen

awec wrote: »

The new leader must surely come from their pool of ministers or MPs. They will hardly leapfrog a MLA with no portfolio straight to the top?

So that would make the pool:

Diane Dodds
Peter Weir
Edwin Poots

Sammy Wilson - lol
Ian Paisley - no chance, too many issues behind the scenes
Jeffrey Donaldson - top candidate in the MP pool
Jim Shannon - boring
Paul Girvan - a real bible thumper type, they'd be mad.
Carla Lockhart - first term MP, been an MLA and a councillor previously. Outside bet maybe, but I'd say she lacks profile. She is the MP of my home constituency and I always felt she never really got herself out of councillor mode and didn't realise that being an MLA was not about getting photographed fixing potholes.
Gavin Robinson - too liberal.

What way did the ones above vote on the "Gay prevention therapy" bill?
If we knew that then we could see if there were any left that are not nutters!
BTW Arlene abstained on that vote so obviously she doesn't regard the bill as complete horse****.

realdanbreen

McMurphy wrote: »

Unionism, or certainly the more hard-line conservative type unionism is in trouble I believe, Brexit, which the aforementioned hard-line conservative type cheered on ironically looks to be what'll be their downfall.

Hate to say I told them so*


*That might be a lie.

Unionism has been in big trouble since the DUP held therese Mays government in hostage a few years back. The Tories saw that as the last straw and have edged ever closer since to ditching the 6 counties the first chance they get. I don't know what the big fuss is anyway as I believe in a united Ireland the unionists will be treated every bit as fairly as they treated Nationalists down through the years.

Del.Monte

Reading through the thread it's easy to see why Unionists relish the prospect of being part of a united Ireland. Ridicule and the usual trolling bs - shure why not dispense with elections altogether and let the wonderful, clean living, secular Shinners have free rein.

Beechwoodspark

Nigel Dodds ?

Robin swan?

L1011

Del.Monte wrote: »

Reading through the thread it's easy to see why Unionists relish the prospect of being part of a united Ireland. Ridicule and the usual trolling bs - shure why not dispense with elections altogether and let the wonderful, clean living, secular Shinners have free rein.

Can you actually point out the posts that show any of that?

L1011

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

Nigel Dodds ?

Robin swan?

Robin Swann is in the UUP.

McMurphy

Del.Monte wrote: »

Reading through the thread it's easy to see why Unionists relish the prospect of being part of a united Ireland. Ridicule and the usual trolling bs - shure why not dispense with elections altogether and let the wonderful, clean living, secular Shinners have free rein.

People aren't necessarily mocking unionists per say, certainly I'm not anyway.

Some people are pointing at the backwards thinking and attitudes of some of the creationist, homophobic, Bible bashing sectarian bigots that are vocal within that cohort.

Like if you're going to stand over stuff like this.

Certainly not, and there are plenty of other people in this society who don't believe it either.

Mervyn Storey, former education minister when asked if he believed in Darwinism.

He's literally denying Darwin's evolution theories, so that is fair game imo.

More of their brainfart nonsense here

banie01

L1011 wrote: »

Can you actually point out the posts that show any of that?

Well I did previously get a card on the thread for a ham product related remark.
So he isn't exactly wrong on the low level trolling.

I should have framed my remark more in terms of seeing someone with Sammy Wilson's political nous being thrust into the leadership of the biggest Unionist party being a potentially entertaining political implosion.
I tried it via a shorthand, and copped a fair warning.

Now do I believe the DUP are a progressive, inclusive and capable political party?
Capable of compromise and realpolitik?
No, they are lurching evermore towards an already fairly extreme right.
Chasing the TUV votes rather than the centre ground and there is a cohort amongst them that are akin to fundamental Christianity and Islam in how they view women's rights, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights and a slew of other social issues.

The DUP made the bed they are in, they have belatedly realised that not only have they made it, they have also set it on fire and sought to cast blame on others for dropping the lighter.

FrancieBrady

I thought the letter would make her position untenable...wonder is she gonna dig in and make things messy?

Dyr

realdanbreen wrote: »

Unionism has been in big trouble since the DUP held therese Mays government in hostage a few years back. The Tories saw that as the last straw and have edged ever closer since to ditching the 6 counties the first chance they get. I don't know what the big fuss is anyway as I believe in a united Ireland the unionists will be treated every bit as fairly as they treated Nationalists down through the years.

The Brits arent giving up NI of their own volition, it could precipitate the break up of the Union.

Another Scottish indie ref might do the trick whatever way the vote goes. With Scotland resolved one way or the other it might free up a border poll.

cantwbr1

FrancieBrady wrote: »

I thought the letter would make her position untenable...wonder is she gonna dig in and make things messy?

What is in the letter? I missed it someplace along the line.

awec

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

Nigel Dodds ?

Robin swan?

Dodds is deputy leader at the moment, think he'll also be pushed from his position. He also has no seat anywhere.

oisinog

awec wrote: »

Dodds is deputy leader at the moment, think he'll also be pushed from his position. He also has no seat anywhere.

Listening to N*lan Show at, Sam McBride is suggesting Poots is going to be the next leader, he has been very visable in the Media over the past week.

Dodds is going to be pushed out but the interesting thing is what will his wife do.

FrancieBrady

cantwbr1 wrote: »

What is in the letter? I missed it someplace along the line.

Thread on it here from Sam McBride...with 'quotes'. Don't think it has been published yet.

https://twitter.com/SJAMcBride/status/1387069969062670336

breezy1985

Del.Monte wrote: »

Reading through the thread it's easy to see why Unionists relish the prospect of being part of a united Ireland. Ridicule and the usual trolling bs - shure why not dispense with elections altogether and let the wonderful, clean living, secular Shinners have free rein.

The English ridicule and troll northern "paddies" way worse than we do down south

Hurrache

L1011 wrote: »

Can you actually point out the posts that show any of that?

The man from Del Monte says No, to answering any reasonable questions asked.

Call me Al

batman75 wrote: »

I don't think the DUP thought through the consequences of what a Brexit coming to pass would actually mean given they supported it. The DUP has belatedly realised that Johnson doesn't give a toss about NI. They're upset because the Brexit they supported had lead to trade borders between NI and their beloved United Kingdom. I think it's custom's border which has done for Foster. I hated her myself. Never felt she actively sought to represent all the people of NI as first minister.
The scary thing is as inept as she was we may find in time she was the best of a dire lot. Really hard to see someone in their ranks that you could say yeah he/she is inclusive in their thinking. The DUP know in their hearts of hearts that a UI is coming down the track and once it does their raison d'etre ceases.

Does anyone think the DUP want to be inclusive?
I can't help but feel that is the very opposite of what they've ever wanted.
Their purpose has always involved creating a group of "others", a target to focus their nastiness at. In the midst of a war it stoked things up.
They've never been a placating and considered voice. The party attracts like-minded supporters so they never will be either.
I think with the pressures of the NIP taking it's toll on their ideology we can look at the extreme end of the party for their next leader..

Lmkrnr

Isn't the orange on our tricolour to show inclusion to the Prodestant section of Ireland. How inclusive do we need to be. They burn the same flag on bonfires, you would think they would remove the orange part first.

Beechwoodspark

Journalist on RTÉ at mo saying it’s between

Edwin poots and Sammy Wilson

Would love to see the Dup consigned to the dustbin of history following their leadership

Beechwoodspark

Lmkrnr wrote: »

Isn't the orange on our tricolour to show inclusion to the Prodestant section of Ireland. How inclusive do we need to be. They burn the same flag on bonfires, you would think they would remove the orange part first.

Yes. The flag was designed to include the green for nationalists white for peace in middle and orange for unionists

For Forks Sake

What about this forward-thinking chap?

https://www.irishnews.com/news/2013/07/03/news/dup-bids-to-ban-drink-at-beer-festival-64047/

A DUP councillor has attempted to ban the sale of alcohol - at a festival which celebrates and showcases beer.

Jim Mcelroy, who sits on Ban-bridge District council, brought forward a motion calling for a ban on beer at the three-day oktoberfest event in the town later this year.

For Forks Sake

Credit: The Ulster Fry FB

Cilldara_2000

Del.Monte wrote: »

Reading through the thread it's easy to see why Unionists relish the prospect of being part of a united Ireland. Ridicule and the usual trolling bs - shure why not dispense with elections altogether and let the wonderful, clean living, secular Shinners have free rein.

See comments elsewhere on this site about the likes of Rónán Mullen. Most of us are equal opportunity ridiculing of bible bashers who think they can pray teh gay away. If anything the vast majority of the comments reckon that this sort of hard right, hardline religious nonsense won't fly with a majority of unionists. That's hardly knocking or ridiculing unionism.

breezy1985

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

Journalist on RTÉ at mo saying it’s between

Edwin poots and Sammy Wilson

Would love to see the Dup consigned to the dustbin of history following their leadership

I would love to see a US style primary debate between DUP leadership candidates. Would be comedy gold

Big Ears

For anyone who expects the DUP to look for someone more moderate or their vote to disappear up North, you don't quite get why people vote DUP.

In the main, most Unionist voters don't vote DUP because they agree with their policies, they vote DUP because they see them as a counterbalance to Sinn Fein and Republicanism.
If the DUP were to suddenly become more moderate, there is a good chance TUV support would soar !

It is for this reason you'll see somebody even less moderate than Arlene in charge, to many within the DUP she was too soft in her stance.....as crazy as that might seem to most.

breezy1985

Big Ears wrote: »

For anyone who expects the DUP to look for someone more moderate or their vote to disappear up North, you don't quite get why people vote DUP.

In the main, most Unionist voters don't vote DUP because they agree with their policies, they vote DUP because they see them as a counterbalance to Sinn Fein and Republicanism.
If the DUP were to suddenly become more moderate, there is a good chance TUV support would soar !

It is for this reason you'll see somebody even less moderate than Arlene in charge, to many within the DUP she was too soft in her stance.....as crazy as that might seem to most.

Ya but if they go hard right then Alliance votes soar so it's a tough one for them

RandomViewer

External Association wrote: »

Paisley JR, is it financial stuff behind the scenes?

Old Paisley dragged them around Europe every Summer when they were kids, would have seen different cultures and more Liberal societies, this wouldn't play well with the DUP fire and brimstone brigade who view coffee drinkers as heathens

gmisk

RandomViewer wrote: »

Old Paisley dragged them around Europe every Summer when they were kids, would have seen different cultures and more Liberal societies, this wouldn't play well with the DUP fire and brimstone brigade who view coffee drinkers as heathens

I don't think the above is relevant in the slightest...bizarre tbh.
The biggest issue (among a few) is Paisley Juniors habit of going on lavish all expense paid trips without declaring any of them
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jun/27/dup-to-investigate-new-ian-paisley-holiday-allegation
The ones to Sri Lanka were seriously dodgy considering he was lobbying on their behalf.

There is also the lobbying for property developers, the attacks on journalists, not to mention his comments on gay people (but tbh those probably play quite well in the DUP)

O'Neill

It's a real Pity the likes of Sylvia Hermon or Claire Sugden aren't refelective of mainstream Unionism. Perhaps they could be if they formed a party.

Big Ears

breezy1985 wrote: »

Ya but if they go hard right then Alliance votes soar so it's a tough one for them

That's why you provoke the likes of the rioting that's occured recently and do little to stop it.
Try and reinforce the us vs them mentality, and stop people thinking rationally, voting in relation to jobs, transport, quality of life etc and get them thinking about **** like flags, marches and who the PSNI treat more harshly.

Dyr

Big Ears wrote: »

That's why you provoke the likes of the rioting that's occured recently and do little to stop it.
Try and reinforce the us vs them mentality, and stop people thinking rationally, voting in relation to jobs, transport, quality of life etc and get them thinking about **** like flags, marches and who the PSNI treat more harshly.

DUP have alway relied on angrying up the mob to keep their position, they just say the union is under threat, dem uns tuk awr fleg etc and a few riots later the votes roll in for the DUP just to keep dem uns in check

That might not be the formula for success it once was. Unionists not as inclined to smash windows on command it seems

breezy1985

Bambi wrote: »

DUP have alway relied on angrying up the mob to keep their position, they just say the union is under threat, dem uns tuk awr fleg etc and a few riots later the votes roll in for the DUP just to keep dem uns in check

That might not be the formula for success it once was. Unionists not as inclined to smash windows on command it seems

"Arlene Foster for some miniature British flags for others"

Hoboo

breezy1985 wrote: »

"Arlene Foster for some miniature British flags for others"

Here here. Nail on the head.

blanch152

Del.Monte wrote: »

Reading through the thread it's easy to see why Unionists relish the prospect of being part of a united Ireland. Ridicule and the usual trolling bs - shure why not dispense with elections altogether and let the wonderful, clean living, secular Shinners have free rein.

Many of us have little time for either the DUP or SF. Both are sectarian parties that have no place in a modern democracy.

Faugheen

I think this could be the start of a play for a snap election.

Arlene Foster loses, resigns as FM, DUP refuse to appoint someone else, Stormont collapses and DUP make the protocol the big issue of the campaign.

Marcos

Well, The Mallow News has it's hand on the pulse of the nation. https://twitter.com/MallowNews/status/1387076372129005568

realdanbreen

blanch152 wrote: »

Many of us have little time for either the DUP or SF. Both are sectarian parties that have no place in a modern democracy.

SF has protestant members and other non catholic members so they cannot be described as sectarian unlike the DUP

jimmycrackcorm

Beechwoodspark wrote: »

Journalist on RTÉ at mo saying it’s between

Edwin poots and Sammy Wilson

Would love to see the Dup consigned to the dustbin of history following their leadership

Fingers crossed for Sammy. The entertainment value of watching his face get redder and redder in interviews is worth it.
Can't see this but a move to a more hard-line stance for the DUP.

Hotblack Desiato

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

This one must become leader

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4TeNAT0Uc4

Ali G isn't in the DUP

FrancieBrady

realdanbreen wrote: »

SF has protestant members and other non catholic members so they cannot be described as sectarian unlike the DUP

Not a single sectarian policy either...but the same as the DUP in blinkered eyes.

Fann Linn

100 years anniversary and it's all falling apart on them. Bring on Sammy Wilson and it'll be the icing on the cake!

CrabRevolution

Call me Al wrote: »

Does anyone think the DUP want to be inclusive?
I can't help but feel that is the very opposite of what they've ever wanted.
Their purpose has always involved creating a group of "others", a target to focus their nastiness at. In the midst of a war it stoked things up.
They've never been a placating and considered voice. The party attracts like-minded supporters so they never will be either.
I think with the pressures of the NIP taking it's toll on their ideology we can look at the extreme end of the party for their next leader..

The fallacy that the DUP have any interest in inclusiveness came up a few times in the brexit debate on NI. The number of posters spouting stuff like "The only threat to the GFA is from of the EU and Irish Government. The DUP wouldn't threaten the GFA considering they negotiated and signed it".

Totally oblivious to the fact the DUP boycotted the talks that created the GFA and were the only mainstream party in the UK or Ireland to advocate rejecting the GFA in the subsequent referendum.

FrancieBrady

CrabRevolution wrote: »

The fallacy that the DUP have any interest in inclusiveness came up a few times in the brexit debate on NI. The number of posters spouting stuff like "The only threat to the GFA is from of the EU and Irish Government. The DUP wouldn't threaten the GFA considering they negotiated and signed it".

Totally oblivious to the fact the DUP boycotted the talks that created the GFA and were the only mainstream party in the UK or Ireland to advocate rejecting the GFA in the subsequent referendum.

Still haven't signed up to the Multi Party Agreement part of the GFA AFAIK.

Dyr

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Fingers crossed for Sammy. The entertainment value of watching his face get redder and redder in interviews is worth it.
Can't see this but a move to a more hard-line stance for the DUP.

Presumably the DUP have some sort of sophisticated matrix to assess the candiates suitability

mariaalice

She is a very poor politician but will who replaces her be any better?

briany

Adopting a more extreme version of a manifesto that is already waning in popularity has not gone well in recent years. Just ask the Labour party of Britain. However, if the DUP are dead set on staying on the hate train, I suppose a route to go would be becoming less sectarian against Catholics and more xenophobic against immigrants a good deal more recent than the Scots-Irish. I'm not advocating this direction, but just acknowledging that parties taking this line have seen an uptick in popularity during the last decade.

jimmycrackcorm

Fann Linn wrote: »

100 years anniversary and it's all falling apart on them. Bring on Sammy Wilson and it'll be the icing on the cake!

Whoever it is, the DUP will hasten the policy of circling the wagons in an effort to reinforce their self-belief in their Britishness instead of trying to convince moderate nationalists that their interests might better lie staying in the UK.

I think, that like their pro-Brexit folly, we are about to witness the DUP take another directional leap to forward the cause of a united Ireland.

breezy1985

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Fingers crossed for Sammy. The entertainment value of watching his face get redder and redder in interviews is worth it.
Can't see this but a move to a more hard-line stance for the DUP.

The only man whose picture makes a noise