Unionist Unity
So it seems senior figures in the DUP and Ulster Unionists had an interesting weekend visit to Lord Salisbury’s estate in Hertfordshire.
Peter Robinson, Nigel Dodds and Sammy Wilson on the DUP side.
Danny Kennedy, Tom Elliott, David Campbell and Mark Cosgrove for the Ulster Unionists.
Shadow Secretary of State Owen Patterson in the chair.
The development follows behind the scenes discussions between the parties over recent weeks and an agreement to co-operate on policy matters.
The debate is being fuelled by the realisation that Martin McGuinness stands a very good chance of taking the First Minister’s job after the next assembly election.
A previous assembly ruling regarding David Ervine shows any grouping must have been formed before an election to have any legal effect.
However, my understanding is discussions have taken place on the forthcoming Westminster election.
We already know there is pressure for an agreed Unionist candidate in South Belfast and Fermanagh South Tyrone.
But these talks go beyond that.
Every Unionist and potential unionist seat is being examined with unity the driving reason.
A coalition is a distinct possibility, aka 1986, but, of course there are problems.
Not everyone in the two parties is thrilled by the prospect.
Many old battles linger and some old timers want nothing to do with their rivals.
And what of the conservatives, particularily in the new arrangement with the Ulster Unionists.
The Tories will be well aware that in a hung parliament every vote will count and it would make sense to have every unionist on board.
Then there is the Sylvia Hermon question.
The North Down MP is talking about attending a special executive meeting on Saturday.
Her views will be very interesting.
This one could run.
