Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Revival of the Conservative and Unionist Party

I woke up to the news this morning that David Cameron is having talks about closer links with the Ulster Unionists. This could be seen as a sign of the times, the climate has changed. But despite the progress in Northern Ireland, the UUP will still be seen as a sectarian party. I always remember a Catholic union colleague of mine from Belfast, who would constantly chide the Tories about being the "Conservative and Unionist" party. Of course what the Tories do is up to them, but I will be watching with interest the fallout from this.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Errr....ker-ching !!! David Cameron suddenly realises, after the 42 days debacle in the House of Commons, that he may end up after the next election needing the support of the Ulster Unions similarly, to govern. I suspect that if you kick David Cameron hard in the shins, he will shout 'ouch !' two hours later.

Owen Polley said...

"But despite the progress in Northern Ireland, the UUP will still be seen as a sectarian party."

Only by those informed by their own bigotry.

"I always remember a Catholic union colleague of mine from Belfast, who would constantly chide the Tories about being the "Conservative and Unionist" party."

As demonstrated by this charming little story. Support for the Union is a sustainable and reasonable political case. Most people have moved beyond blanket abuse for anyone or anything describing itself as unionist.