‘Dream of United Ireland by 2016 nothing short of an embarrassment’

Speaking at the last party conference before the Westminster elections in May, the DUP representative, who is also an MP, talked about the unionist need to keep republican candidates out in several constituencies in that electoral contest.

“In May we will again face a challenge from Irish republicans in a number of key constituencies,” he said.

“In Fermanagh/South Tyrone, North Belfast, and Upper Bann we must rededicate ourselves to defeat those Republican candidates whose desire it is to rob constituencies of representation and whose aim remains to take us out of the Union,” he added.

The East Londonderry MLA also scoffed at Sinn Féin’s aspired goal of a United Ireland by the time of the Easter Rising centenary.

“I’m glad that now more than ever their United Ireland project is in tatters and their dream of a 2016 United Ireland is now nothing short of an embarrassment.

“Sinn Féin spend more time manufacturing outrage and anger to cover over their sordid activities over the last forty years.

“After years of dealing with pushover unionists this party forced Republicans to accept the democratic norms.

“While progress has been achieved more remains to be done. The DUP will continue to confront Republicans and provide leadership for our Province,” he said.