UUP/DUP Pact Bad For South Down And Northern Ireland Says McCallister

Following UUP leader Mike Nesbitt’s offer of an electoral pact with the DUP in at least two constituencies, Independent Unionist MLA for South Down John McCallister has described the proposal as further evidence of the “political exhaustion” of Unionist leaders.

Mr McCallister said: “Electoral pacts cement sectarian, tribal politics in Northern Ireland. They harm our society and undermine the Union. In South Down amplifying tribalism is bad for the whole community.

“It gives me no pleasure to say that, and again, we can see evidence of the political exhaustion of Unionist leaders. In a desire to see the UUP succeed, it is tempting to believe that making a marriage of convenience with the DUP is a good idea. But unfortunately such pacts will only pit communities against each other and leave Northern Ireland in an even more unstable position.

“People will fail to understand how the UUP and the DUP can be at each other’s throats in the Executive while proposing electoral pacts outside of it. As funding is being cut across the board, it unfortunately looks like the two parties are prepared to work together for selfish gain, but not in order to deliver good Government for the people. This is deeply regrettable.

“You also cannot have Unionist unity and call for an Opposition at the same time – the two positions are completely inconsistent.

“Very many UUP members and voters in South Down will be wondering about the obvious disconnect between their moderate values and a leadership proposing to take Northern Ireland backwards to a divisive, tribal past. I would urge voters who want to build a confident, generous, inclusive pro-Union politics, to make their voices heard.

“I support an alternative vision for South Down. I want a successful, pluralist and progressive South Down in a Northern Ireland at ease with itself and its role as a productive partner in a pluralist United Kingdom. Electoral pacts are at clear odds with this vision.”