DUP leaders try to quell tension in party ranks
By Noel McAdam
29 November 2006
Tensions and discontent within DUP ranks are simmering despite party leadership attempts to restore order.
A meeting in Antrim yesterday including local councillors voiced concern over how the party leadership handled the nomination of DUP leader Ian Paisley as First Minister designate.
Last night’s meeting was attended by around 30 people who sought reassurance that the party will not agree a timetable for the devolution of policing and justice - which Sinn Fein insists is a requirement to call its potentially pivotal ard fheis meeting on joining the PSNI.
And, it was argued, the “credible period of testing” for Sinn Fein on law and order might not prove possible before the new devolution deadline of March 26.
Sources said the meeting questioned whether Mr Paisley was nominated as future First Minister in the Assembly last Friday.
Antrim councillor Mel Lucas said: “There are those with reservations about the way it was handled. Some people queried the way it was done.
“The question was asked whether Dr Paisley had (nominated or designated) and we were told that wasn’t the case. Not everyone at the meeting was convinced at that.”
Mr Lucas said support was expressed for South Antrim MP Rev William McCrea, who attended the meeting, and his assessment of the current situation.
There would have to be “delivery” on a range of issues including parades, fair treatment of the unionist community and a mandatory coalition to form an Executive.
The meeting came after deputy leader Peter Robinson said the party was “completely relaxed and confident in its present position”.
“The St Andrews Agreement does not make a timetable from the DUP a condition for Sinn Fein signing up to every aspect of the rule of law. It is not required. It will not happen,” he said.
'So venceremos, beidh bua againn eigin lá eigin. Sealadaigh abú.'
--Bobby Sands