Robinson will be a new leader, but it will still be the same old DUP

Two dramatically different readings of the DUP’s succession dilemma intersect on one important point. John Coulter’s silly caper through the next 8 years of Northern Ireland’s politics is preoccupied with his usual unionist unity mantra, whilst Alex Kane in contrast outlines the reasons why Peter Robinson will be little more convivial to the Ulster Unionist wing of unionism than Ian Paisley. The point on which the two men concur (in Coulter’s case a rare moment of lucidity) is in identifying Robinson as intrinsically linked with Paisleyism and the DUP’s current problems. If Paisley is tainted goods in the eyes of voters and in the eyes of the party’s hard-core, then so to is Robinson.

On this basis Kane contests the wisdom of appointing the East Belfast MP as leader. He presents a strong case, calling into question the democratic credentials of the DUP itself and rebutting the suggestion that Robinson is likely to affect a rapprochement with the UUP. Kane argues that Robinson’s pragmatism gave him an instant grasp of realities for unionists after the Anglo Irish Agreement and effectively his failure to move beyond assent for Paisley’s position denotes both a lack of leadership and a reluctance to put principle ahead of his own political advancement. All the reasons for Paisley and the DUP attracting increased opprobrium from the unionist electorate will remain prescient under Robinson; indeed he embodies the characteristics of the party’s leadership which are beginning to rankle with both its grassroots members and the public at large.

Apart from the culpability of Robinson and involvement in everything that was disingenuous and destructive in the DUP’s policy. Kane is right to question the process whereby a new leader is likely to be selected. Indications are that the decision will be reached from within the party’s Assembly Group rather than through consultation with its membership. Given the allegations of cronyism and nepotism which have hastened Paisley’s departure it seems scarcely believable that this elitist form of selection will prevail. The DUP are about to select their first leader since 1971 and their own members are not to be consulted. The centralist instincts of the party have on occasion been their strength, but as their grass-roots become disaffected with the leadership cabal, then those same instincts can be disabling.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Given his track record of leading "cultural" delegations across the border, it will be interesting to see if Peter the Punt gets the job and what cross-border co-operation will ensue. Maybe a delegation from Clontibret could be welcomed to East Belfast in the same friendly spirit ;)
Anonymous said…
Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where
I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I'm using the same blog platform as yours and I'm
having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

Feel free to surf to my web site - wealthwayonline.com
Anonymous said…
What's up, this weekend is pleasant in favor of me, since this point in time i am reading this wonderful educational paragraph here at my home.

my website: Wholesale NFL Jerseys
Anonymous said…
I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

Also visit my blog Wealthwayonline.Com
Anonymous said…
Generally I do not read article on blogs,
but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look
at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks,
very great post.

Here is my website ... nfl jerseys cheap
Anonymous said…
There's definately a great deal to find out about this topic. I really like all of the points you made.

Check out my web blog: Authentic Kris Letang Jersey
Anonymous said…
Hi everyone, it's my first visit at this website, and post is in fact fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these articles.

Feel free to surf to my webpage: wiki.directvelo.com
Anonymous said…
What's up, yup this article is really good and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging. thanks.

Here is my blog: Cheap Jerseys
Anonymous said…
Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my good
old room mate! He always kept talking about this.
I will forward this article to him. Pretty sure he will have
a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

Here is my homepage Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
Quality posts is the key to interest the viewers to visit the web site, that's what this web site is providing.

My page - NFL Jerseys Cheap
Anonymous said…
We're a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with helpful information to work on. You've done a formidable activity
and our entire neighborhood shall be grateful to you.


Review my site - Wholesale NFL Jerseys
Anonymous said…
Hurrah, that's what I was exploring for, what a information! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this web page.

my web-site :: Abercrombie Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Its not my first time to pay a quick visit this web page,
i am visiting this website dailly and obtain good information
from here daily.

My site; Cheap Louis Vuitton Handbags
Anonymous said…
Greetings from Florida! I'm bored to death at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I really like the knowledge you present here and can't
wait to take a look when I get home. I'm shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .
. Anyhow, superb blog!

Feel free to surf to my weblog ... Sidney Crosby Authentic Jersey
Anonymous said…
I could not resist commenting. Very well written!


Also visit my web-site ... Michael Kors Handbags
Anonymous said…
It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd without a doubt donate to this brilliant blog! I guess for now i'll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to
my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!

My webpage Cheap Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
I always used to read post in news papers but now as I am a user of
web so from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.


my web page - Air Jordan Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Hello There. I found your weblog the usage of msn.
This is an extremely well written article. I'll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

Look at my blog post - Chaussures De Football
Anonymous said…
With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation?
My blog has a lot of completely unique content I've either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped off? I'd really appreciate
it.

Feel free to surf to my website :: NFL Jerseys Cheap
Anonymous said…
Very energetic post, I loved that bit. Will there be a part 2?


Also visit my blog :: Abercrombie and Fitch
Anonymous said…
I don't know whether it's just me or if everyone else encountering problems with your blog.
It looks like some of the text within your posts are running off the screen.
Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if
this is happening to them too? This might be a issue with my internet
browser because I've had this happen previously. Kudos

Also visit my page ... Air Jordan Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
What i don't understood is in fact how you're no longer actually
a lot more neatly-appreciated than you may be now. You're very intelligent. You realize therefore significantly relating to this topic, made me in my opinion consider it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women aren't interested unless it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga!
Your own stuffs nice. All the time take care of it up!


My blog post Sac A Main Louis Vuitton
Anonymous said…
Hey there! I've been following your weblog for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the good job!

Check out my page - Michael Kors Canada
Anonymous said…
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your website,
how can i subscribe for a weblog site? The account helped me a appropriate deal.
I had been tiny bit familiar of this your broadcast offered vivid clear concept

Also visit my homepage; Get More Information
Anonymous said…
Hi there are using Wordpress for your site platform? I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started
and set up my own. Do you require any html coding knowledge to
make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!


my website: NFL Jerseys Cheap
Anonymous said…
Hi there, I found your site by means of Google at the same
time as looking for a related matter, your website came up, it appears to be like good.
I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, just become alert to your blog thru Google, and located that
it's really informative. I'm going to watch
out for brussels. I will be grateful if you proceed this in future.
Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!

Also visit my web-site :: Mulberry Outlet UK
Anonymous said…
It's very simple to find out any topic on web as compared to textbooks, as I found this paragraph at this web page.

My web-site Continued
Anonymous said…
I like what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and exposure!

Keep up the excellent works guys I've you guys to blogroll.

Also visit my site: next page
Anonymous said…
Thanks for finally talking about > "Robinson will be a new leader, but it will still be the same old DUP" < Loved it!

Here is my webpage; Louis Vuitton Bags
Anonymous said…
Please let me know if you're looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I'd absolutely
love to write some content for your blog in exchange for
a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested.
Thanks!

my blog post: Michael Kors Outlet
Anonymous said…
We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our
community. Your web site offered us with valuable
information to work on. You have performed a formidable job and our whole community
will likely be grateful to you.

my weblog; Jordan Femme
Anonymous said…
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger,
and I was wondering your situation; we have created some nice procedures and we are looking to
exchange solutions with other folks, why not shoot
me an email if interested.

Here is my web site; www.wsmisports.com
Anonymous said…
I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I don't know who you are
but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already ;) Cheers!


Have a look at my webpage :: More Help
Anonymous said…
Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to check it out.
I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm bookmarking and will be tweeting
this to my followers! Outstanding blog and amazing style and design.


my web site Sac a main Guess
Anonymous said…
As the admin of this website is working, no hesitation very rapidly it will be famous,
due to its feature contents.

Review my blog post ... Oakley Frogskins
Anonymous said…
Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favorite reason
appeared to be on the net the easiest thing to consider of.

I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst folks consider
concerns that they just do not realize about. You managed to hit
the nail upon the top as well as outlined out the
whole thing with no need side effect , other folks could take a signal.

Will likely be again to get more. Thanks

my webpage: Learn More
Anonymous said…
Hi there, its fastidious article concerning media print, we
all be familiar with media is a impressive source of facts.


Feel free to visit my web site: More hints
Anonymous said…
I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at
this web site is in fact good.

Feel free to surf to my webpage: binaural beats download
Anonymous said…
It is appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it's time to be happy. I have learn this submit and if I may I desire to suggest you few fascinating things or suggestions. Maybe you could write subsequent articles regarding this article. I wish to learn even more things about it!

my web blog Nike Blazers Shoes
Anonymous said…
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the good spirit.


Feel free to visit my homepage Nike Free Run Sko
Anonymous said…
Hey! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I really enjoy reading your blog posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same subjects?
Thank you so much!

My weblog :: Air Max Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
Wonderful site you have here but I was curious about if
you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
I'd really like to be a part of group where I can get suggestions from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thanks!

Feel free to surf to my weblog ... Kevin Durant Shoes
Anonymous said…
I do accept as true with all of the concepts you have presented on your post.

They are very convincing and will definitely work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for newbies.
May you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time?
Thank you for the post.

Feel free to visit my page: Louis Vuitton Pas Cher
Anonymous said…
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post's to be just what I'm looking for.
Does one offer guest writers to write content in your case?
I wouldn't mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome weblog!

my blog; Kobe 8 Shoes
Anonymous said…
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your information.

This article has really peaked my interest. I will take
a note of your site and keep checking for new details about once
per week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

Here is my site :: Michael Kors []
Anonymous said…
Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one!
It's on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Superb choice of colors!

Stop by my website ... Air Max

Popular posts from this blog

Football fever in Russia

Shia Revival

Walker loada rubbish