Armstrong to chair Tories in Northern Ireland.

Ian Parsley's blog carries an account of the Northern Ireland Conservatives AGM, which took place today.  The most noteworthy business saw Irwin Armstrong, UCUNF's North Antrim Westminster candidate, elected as area chairman.  I believe the other contenders were Terry Dick (from the East Belfast association) and Parsley himself.

Armstrong conducted a positive and spirited campaign during the general election and, had a misleading Belfast Telegraph poll not erroneously suggested that Jim Allister was a serious contender to nick the seat, he could easily have beaten the TUV man to second place.  He will bring a businessman's eye, and experience in marketing, to the local Tories.

It will be interesting to see whether his appointment has an impact on the Ulster Unionist connection.  Parsley hints, in his piece, that he cannot see the value in Northern Ireland Conservatives standing against UUP candidates in the Assembly election.  That is a debate which will be played out in the coming months, particularly from the Autumn onwards, as it becomes clearer which direction the larger party might take.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Obviously Parsley has little faith in his ability or appeal to the North Down electorate - will he join the UUP next in his quest for a seat?
21 June 2010 at 14:21
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