Gavin Robinson: Split votes will take Northern Ireland in ‘wrong direction’

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

DUP leader Gavin Robinson said that split votes and lost Unionist seats will take Northern Ireland in the “wrong direction”, he told his party conference.

In his 40-minute address to the conference, his third as leader, Mr Robinson said he will “not be found wanting” around co-operating to maximise a pro-unionist vote.

Speaking at the La Mon Hotel, Newtownards, on Saturday afternoon, Mr Robinson said he wanted to work again with other Unionist parties to get the largest number of pro-Union candidates into the Northern Ireland Assembly.

It will be the last DUP conference before elections to the Assembly take place next year.

“Staying at home, or voting for parties that spend more timing attacking fellow unionists, and who have no plan, will deliver a weakened and divided unionism – and that is exactly what Sinn Féin hope for,” Mr Robinson said.

“They know, what split votes and lost seats will mean for Unionism and the Union.

“More power for them to take Northern Ireland in the wrong direction.”

“Want I won’t allow however, is for the strength and resolve of our cause to be diminished by one man’s ego or another’s ambition,” he continued.

“As the lead Unionist party, this party will not be found wanting when it comes to co-operating to maximise the Pro-Union vote.

“We can work to ensure that constituencies and DEAs are not flooded with candidates from unionist parties.

“We can also develop co-operation between parties in the Assembly and in the new councils.”

Mr Robinson was also critical of US President Donald Trump’s support of a united Ireland, after he made remarks in favour of reunification during his visit to Dublin last week.

The reference drew boos from the audience.

Mr Robinson said the future of Northern Ireland will be decided by the people “who live here”.

“We have one objective Mr President: to Make Northern Ireland Great Again,” Mr Robinson added.

“A Northern Ireland where a unionist never has to apologise for being British.

“Where a nationalist never has to apologise for being Irish.”

The DUP leader also raised concerns over illegal immigration.

He added: “People are worried about pressure on housing, schools, healthcare and public services. They are worried about illegal immigration and a system that feels out of control. Those concerns should not be dismissed.

“Controlling immigration is not extreme; and expecting people to respect our laws and play their part is not extreme either.

“Our immigration system must work for the people who live here.

“Fairness is not intolerance. Common sense deserves a voice; and we will be that voice.”

Earlier on Saturday, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly was critical of Michelle O’Neill’s trip to Cardiff to meet the Scottish and Welsh first ministers to press for constitutional change.

She claimed that Ms O’Neill wanted to see the “destruction” of the United Kingdom.

“It was strong unionism that challenged her, called her out and stopped her,” she added.

“I am no shrinking violet… as Michelle O’Neill knows.

“I will never allow Sinn Féin to use, misuse and weaponise the role of first minister.

“We have used our strength in the Executive and in the Assembly and in every council chamber across Northern Ireland to deliver and to protect.”

“Divided and slumbering unionism has a serious cost.

“Divided unionism has put a separatist first minister into the top position in Wales.

“Divided unionism has allowed the SNP to stay as first minister in Scotland.

“And divided unionism has a first minister in Northern Ireland that not only doesn’t want a strong future for Northern Ireland, but wants no future for Northern Ireland.

“The people of this incredible place deserve more.

“Unionism needs to get our act together – and vote with our feet and vote with our heads.”

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