Never , Never , Never!!!

[cerberus]

Well , well, Rev. Ian is now sitting in David Trimble's seat - he may say the circumstances are different but I think its fair to say they are not.

A man who said never three times is now doing what he said he would never do.
Will it all be calm seas and fair breezes , will it heck - get it up and running for May - somehow I can't help but think that it is not a match made in heaven.

Ian P always wanted to be the leader of the largest Unionist part in N.I. - he now is but will he be able to keep that support - I wonder ?
Empire building has always been a futile undertaking - he is a little slow in realising it.

[Basil Fawlty]

Ian P always wanted to be the leader of the largest Unionist part in N.I. - he now is but will he be able to keep that support - I wonder ?
Empire building has always been a futile undertaking - he is a little slow in realising it.Interesting point. The DUP made its base as the party that likes to say No. But now, if they start saying Yes, they undermine their own raison d'etre. I think they will either collapse the new arrangements or they will eventually give way to more constructive Unionist politicians. They are a one trick pony whereas the old Unionist party actually does have real policies on everything, not just dumping on taigs. Then there is Irvineism, progressive Loyalist socialism which could become a new mature force in the northern politics if the assembley lasts. But I'm very secepitcal about the whole thing lasting.

[cerberus]

Basil
But I'm very secepitcal about the whole thing lasting.

I have to say I am not hoepful because if it does falter - the DUP well , they have their speech already prepared - the gist of which will be "I told you so , everybody back to Drumcree for a Pitza".

Your mention of the traditional Unionist Party / the late David Irvine's view on things - the UUP would certainly be more able of making a go of it - I have no faith in the DUP who are a very shallow lot - I would agree Basil "a one trick pony" , we may be surprised but I doubt it.
( Irvine - he made sense in many ways).

Irvine came to politics the hard way - finding out that the paramilitaries had had their day and for them its all over - Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness lets be honest - the playing field is the same as it was when Trimble was their opposite number ,Ian Paisley might say different but I for one do not believe that the Empire building of Ian and Co . has done anything at all.
He has got what he wanted and now he is going to find out that there is a price to be paid - he will have to become a pragmatic politician and be part of change ,something he has never been and this in the twilight of his political life.
The DUP may have gotten the votes but they are the wrong party to be standing where they are.
For all of them it is now time to earn your money - talk is not cheap.