DUP call for co-operation

Upper Bann DUP MLA Stephen Moutray made the call as the UUP completed the first stage of its selection process and ahead of the final stage.

Mr Moutray said: “The DUP is very clear as to the forthcoming Assembly Election. There are currently four Assembly seats held by unionists. The fourth of those seats, held currently by the UUP was only very narrowly won at the last Assembly election.

"The fact it was narrowly won was down entirely to the efforts of the DUP in ensuring that our voters transferred to UUP candidates – a fact that is on the public record.

“The reason why it was so vulnerable last time was down to the fact the UUP fielded three candidates who competed against one another. Again this is also already in the public domain.

“That fourth unionist seat currently held by the UUP, remains extremely vulnerable and could be lost to Sinn Fein unless unionists act to prevent that.

“The DUP in Upper Bann is united in our position that the best way to retain that fourth unionist Assembly seat is for unionists to co-operate together, and also for unionism to give itself the best chance of success.

“For the UUP that has to mean drawing back from the foolishness of their plan to run three candidates.

"The electoral figures speak for themselves. It is a monumental mistake for the UUP to field three candidates – they should think again and field only two. For the UUP to field three candidates will only have the same result as the last Assembly Election when internal competition between candidates spread their vote so thinly that a seat was nearly lost.

“Even now at this late stage I would again appeal to Upper Bann UUP and repeat my call to them. For the UUP to run three candidates increases the risk that the fourth unionist seat will be handed over to Sinn Fein on a plate.

"I would appeal to them to work together with other unionists to maximise the unionist vote. Their current approach greatly increases the risk to that fourth unionist seat. The DUP stand ready to co-operate with fellow unionists. I would appeal to the UUP to stop spurning our offer.”