SIR, For the first time in the history of Northern Ireland a republican/nationalist candidate has topped a poll.
This is due, in no small measure, to Sinn Fein’s “brothers in arms” at Stormont, the DUP, deciding to field a candidate to oppose the two sitting, competent and effective MEP’s thereby splitting the Unionist vote.
While I am disappointed the DUP v
ote did not collapse further than it has, on the plus side, Jim Allister, a man with the courage of his convictions, has made significant inroads into what was the DUP’s natural powerbase.
In the not too distant past North Antrim was considered an Official Unionist safe seat until a “firebrand preacher” came along, listened to the feelings of the electorate, tapped into the mood and ousted the sitting MP.
Now that the DUP has deserted its natural powerbase I sincerely hope Jim Allister decides to offer himself as a candidate to the North Antrim electorate for the forthcoming Westminster election.
After all, the Official Unionist party considered North Antrim a safe seat until Ian Paisley came along, and history has a habit of repeating itself.
Until that time arrives, the DUP can console itself with the knowledge that yet another upper echelon DUP family will be benefiting from even more taxpayers money.
Yours Sincerely,
Pro Patria.
(name and address supplied).
