Simpson calls for unionist unity to 'seize opportunity'

OUTGOING Upper Bann MP David Simpson has expressed his disappointment at the rejection, by UUP leader Sir Reg Empey of attempts to achieve an agreed unionist candidate in South Belfast. Reaffirming his personal support for greater unionist co-operation and unity and speaking of the benefits of such an approach Mr Simpson said:
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Apr 2010, 13:27 BST
Updated 20th Apr 2010, 17:13 BST

“The outright rejection by Sir Reg Empey of unionist co-operation in South Belfast is particularly disappointing. This is a seat with an inbuilt unionist majority.

"To simply state that fact is neither sectarian nor discriminatory. It is rather merely giving full consideration to the fact that in political matters relating to the continued harmonious workings of the UK, it is better to have as many MPs as possible who are committed to that goal.

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“In the particular case of South Belfast, the local DUP association has stated it is prepared to agree a joint candidate, the DUP leadership has said that it is prepared to reach agreement and the DUP candidate has stated publicly that he will stand aside for an agreed candidate.

"On the UUP side, again the local South Belfast UUP association has stated its desire to reach an agreement and the candidate has said that she too will stand aside if requested to do so by her party leader. The local Orange District has publicly called for an agreed candidate and specifically called upon Sir Reg to change his position and reach an agreement.

“The only person blocking an agreement has been Sir Reg Empey.”

Mr Simpson added: “That is a deeply regrettable state of affairs. There is an opportunity at this election to return 12 unionist MPs to the House of Commons for the first time in many, many years. This is at a time when there is the possibility of a hung parliament, or at very least a weak incoming government and those 12 MPs could exert a tremendous amount of influence. Yet Sir Reg has, very disappointingly, impeded that possibility.

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“I believe that this is a time for unionists to seize opportunities afforded by this election. This is a time when we shouldn’t simply gift our votes to the Tories or anyone else, or deliberately reduce the number of unionist MPs returned to the House of Commons. This is a time to unite and maximise the benefits for unionism, for Northern Ireland and for our individual constituents.

“Sir Reg has, disappointingly, called this one badly wrong.”

Related topics:MPsDUP