Democratic Unionist Party: Difference between revisions
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The DUP is a [[right-wing]] [[populist]]<ref name=Ingle156 /> party. It is characterized by its Ulster loyalist position, which it has staunchly held since its inception. Ulster loyalism, with its aim for continued inclusion of Northern Ireland in the UK, has been identified as a type of [[ethnic nationalism]].<ref>Ignatieff, Michael. ''Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism''. Vintage, 1994. p.184.</ref> The DUP has historically been associated with [[paramilitarism]] and in recent years has been supported by paramilitary [[Ulster loyalist]] groups such as the [[Ulster Defence Association]], the [[Ulster Volunteer Force]] and the [[Red Hand Commando]], which have been [[Terrorism Act 2000|proscribed terrorist organisations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Manley|first1=John|title=Arlene Foster urged to make unequivocal rejection of loyalist paramilitary support|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/06/07/news/arlene-foster-urged-to-make-unequivocal-rejection-of-loyalist-paramilitary-support-1047228/|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Irish News|date=7 June 2017}}</ref> Following the [[United Kingdom general election, 2017|2017 general election]], where no party received an outright majority, it entered into an agreement to support the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative party]] in government.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/09/theresa-may-reaches-deal-with-dup-to-form-government-after-shock-election-result-northern-ireland|title=May reaches deal with DUP to form government after shock election result|first=Rajeev Syal Henry McDonald in|last=Belfast|date=9 June 2017|publisher=|via=The Guardian}}</ref> The DUP said "The alternative is intolerable. For as long as Corbyn leads Labour, we will ensure there’s a Tory PM."<ref name="auto" /> |
The DUP is a [[right-wing]] [[populist]]<ref name=Ingle156 /> party. It is characterized by its Ulster loyalist position, which it has staunchly held since its inception. Ulster loyalism, with its aim for continued inclusion of Northern Ireland in the UK, has been identified as a type of [[ethnic nationalism]].<ref>Ignatieff, Michael. ''Blood and Belonging: Journeys into the New Nationalism''. Vintage, 1994. p.184.</ref> The DUP has historically been associated with [[paramilitarism]] and in recent years has been supported by paramilitary [[Ulster loyalist]] groups such as the [[Ulster Defence Association]], the [[Ulster Volunteer Force]] and the [[Red Hand Commando]], which have been [[Terrorism Act 2000|proscribed terrorist organisations]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Manley|first1=John|title=Arlene Foster urged to make unequivocal rejection of loyalist paramilitary support|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/06/07/news/arlene-foster-urged-to-make-unequivocal-rejection-of-loyalist-paramilitary-support-1047228/|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Irish News|date=7 June 2017}}</ref> Following the [[United Kingdom general election, 2017|2017 general election]], where no party received an outright majority, it entered into an agreement to support the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative party]] in government.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/09/theresa-may-reaches-deal-with-dup-to-form-government-after-shock-election-result-northern-ireland|title=May reaches deal with DUP to form government after shock election result|first=Rajeev Syal Henry McDonald in|last=Belfast|date=9 June 2017|publisher=|via=The Guardian}}</ref> The DUP said "The alternative is intolerable. For as long as Corbyn leads Labour, we will ensure there’s a Tory PM."<ref name="auto" /> |
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The DUP is in favour of a "[[soft Brexit]]", opposes a [[Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border|hard Irish border]],<ref name="The Party Politics of Euroscepticism" /><ref name="Hughes">{{cite news|last1=Hughes|first1=Laura|title=Who are the DUP and will they demand a soft Brexit to prop up the Tories?|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/suddenly-become-important-democratic-unionist-party-could-hold/|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> and wishes to maintain the [[Common Travel Area]].<ref name="Syal">{{cite news|last1=Syal|first1=Rajeev|title=From climate denial to abortion: six DUP stances you should know about|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/09/from-climate-denial-to-abortion-heres-six-dup-policies-you-should-know-about|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Guardian|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> [[East Antrim]] MP [[Sammy Wilson]] caused controversy in March 2016 during a ''[[BBC Spotlight]]'' episode discussing the implications of the EU referendum, when it was implied that he agreed with a member of the public who said that he wanted to "get the ethnics out" of Northern Ireland post-Brexit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sammy Wilson hits back over 'ethnics out' comment|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-35693195|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=BBC News|date=1 March 2016}}</ref> |
The DUP is in favour of a "[[soft Brexit]]", opposes a [[Republic of Ireland–United Kingdom border|hard Irish border]],<ref name="The Party Politics of Euroscepticism" /><ref name="Hughes">{{cite news|last1=Hughes|first1=Laura|title=Who are the DUP and will they demand a soft Brexit to prop up the Tories?|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/suddenly-become-important-democratic-unionist-party-could-hold/|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Telegraph|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> and wishes to maintain the [[Common Travel Area]].<ref name="Syal">{{cite news|last1=Syal|first1=Rajeev|title=From climate denial to abortion: six DUP stances you should know about|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/09/from-climate-denial-to-abortion-heres-six-dup-policies-you-should-know-about|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Guardian|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> [[East Antrim]] MP [[Sammy Wilson (politician)|Sammy Wilson]] caused controversy in March 2016 during a ''[[BBC Spotlight]]'' episode discussing the implications of the EU referendum, when it was implied that he agreed with a member of the public who said that he wanted to "get the ethnics out" of Northern Ireland post-Brexit.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sammy Wilson hits back over 'ethnics out' comment|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-35693195|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=BBC News|date=1 March 2016}}</ref> |
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Unlike the Conservatives, the DUP is in favour of keeping the [[State Pension (United Kingdom)#Pensions Act 2007|"triple lock" for pensions]]<ref name="Hughes" /> and the [[Winter Fuel Payment|Winter Fuel Allowance]].<ref name="Syal" /> |
Unlike the Conservatives, the DUP is in favour of keeping the [[State Pension (United Kingdom)#Pensions Act 2007|"triple lock" for pensions]]<ref name="Hughes" /> and the [[Winter Fuel Payment|Winter Fuel Allowance]].<ref name="Syal" /> |
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The DUP maintains that it is a "[[pro-life]]" party and have campaigned strongly against any extension of abortion rights to the country, unanimously opposing a bill by Labour MP [[Diane Johnson]] to protect women in England and Wales from criminal prosecution if they ended a pregnancy using pills bought online, which campaigners say is more prevalent due to the restrictive legislation passed by the DUP.<ref name="Syal" /><ref name="O'Brien">{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=Katherine|title=The DUP are proud to oppose abortion|url=https://inews.co.uk/opinion/comment/abortion-free-vote-issue-dup-clear-oppose-womans-right-choose/|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=iNews|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> They have opposed extra funding for international [[family planning]] programmes.<ref name="O'Brien" /> Campaigners say their actions have forced thousands of women to travel elsewhere for terminations, or to rely on abortion pills bought online.<ref name="Syal" /> |
The DUP maintains that it is a "[[pro-life]]" party and have campaigned strongly against any extension of abortion rights to the country, unanimously opposing a bill by Labour MP [[Diane Johnson]] to protect women in England and Wales from criminal prosecution if they ended a pregnancy using pills bought online, which campaigners say is more prevalent due to the restrictive legislation passed by the DUP.<ref name="Syal" /><ref name="O'Brien">{{cite news|last1=O'Brien|first1=Katherine|title=The DUP are proud to oppose abortion|url=https://inews.co.uk/opinion/comment/abortion-free-vote-issue-dup-clear-oppose-womans-right-choose/|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=iNews|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> They have opposed extra funding for international [[family planning]] programmes.<ref name="O'Brien" /> Campaigners say their actions have forced thousands of women to travel elsewhere for terminations, or to rely on abortion pills bought online.<ref name="Syal" /> |
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The DUP has previously appointed a [[climate change denier]], |
The DUP has previously appointed a [[climate change denier]], Sammy Wilson, as environment minister in Northern Ireland<ref>{{cite news|last1=McDonald|first1=Henry|last2=Jowit|first2=Juliette|title=DUP stands by climate change sceptic environment minister|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2009/feb/10/sammy-wilson-climate-change|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=The Guardian|date=10 February 2009}}</ref> and a [[Young Earth creationist]], [[Mervyn Storey]], as its education minister.<ref name="York">{{cite news|last1=York|first1=Chris|title=5 Reasons You Should Be Seriously Worried About The DUP|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/who-are-the-dup_uk_593a79c7e4b0b13f2c697d36|accessdate=9 June 2017|work=HuffPost UK|date=9 June 2017}}</ref> |
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== Party leadership == |
== Party leadership == |
Revision as of 20:35, 9 June 2017
Democratic Unionist Party | |
---|---|
Abbreviation | DUP |
Leader | Arlene Foster |
Chairman | Lord Morrow |
Deputy Leader / Westminster Leader | Nigel Dodds |
Founder | Ian Paisley |
Founded | 30 September 1971 |
Preceded by | Protestant Unionist Party |
Headquarters | 91 Dundela Avenue Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
Ideology | British nationalism[1] National conservatism[2] Social conservatism[3] British unionism Euroscepticism[4] Right-wing populism[5] |
Political position | Centre-right[6][7][8] to Right-wing[9] |
European affiliation | None |
European Parliament group | Non-Inscrits |
Colours | Red, White and Blue |
House of Commons (NI Seats) | 10 / 18
|
House of Lords | Template:HOL DUP / Template:HOLtotal
<div style="background-color:
|
European Parliament (NI seats) | 1 / 3
|
NI Assembly | 28 / 90
|
NI Local Councils | 125 / 462
|
Website | |
mydup | |
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is a unionist political party and the largest party in Northern Ireland. It was founded by the Protestant fundamentalist leader Ian Paisley in 1971, at the height of the Troubles. Paisley led the party for the next 38 years. Now led by Arlene Foster, it is the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly and the fifth-largest party in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. Following the 2017 general election, they have been described by the Wall Street Journal as "play[ing] kingmaker" as they agreed to support a Conservative minority government on a case-by-case basis on matters of mutual concern.[10]
The DUP evolved from the Protestant Unionist Party and has historically strong links to the Protestant Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, the church Paisley founded. For most of its history, the DUP was the smaller of the two large unionist parties, the larger being the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP). The DUP has also traditionally been seen as the more hardline or loyalist of the two. During the Troubles, the DUP opposed attempts to resolve the conflict that would involve sharing power with Irish nationalists/republicans, and attempts to involve the Republic of Ireland in Northern Ireland affairs. It campaigned against the Sunningdale Agreement of 1974, the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985, and the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. In the 1980s, the party was involved in attempts to create a paramilitary movement, which culminated in Ulster Resistance. The party is socially conservative: it is anti-abortion, opposes same-sex marriage, and formerly campaigned against the legalisation of homosexual acts in Northern Ireland. It is also Eurosceptic and backs the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.
By 2005, the DUP had overtaken the UUP to become the largest unionist party. Following the St Andrews Agreement in October 2006, the DUP changed its stance and agreed with the Irish republican party Sinn Féin to enter into power-sharing devolved government in Northern Ireland. Despite reports of divisions within the party, a majority of the party executive voted in favour of power-sharing in March 2007.[11] However, the DUP's sole Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Jim Allister,[12] and seven DUP councillors[13] left the party in opposition to its plans to share power with Sinn Féin, founding the Traditional Unionist Voice.[14] Peter Robinson became DUP leader in 2008. Under his leadership, the loyalist influence reduced somewhat, in an attempt to reach out to non-Protestants, particularly socially conservative Catholics.[15][16]
As the largest party in Northern Ireland, the DUP holds ten seats at Westminster and 28 seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly.[17] It has one seat in the European Parliament, where its MEP, Diane Dodds, sits as a Non-Inscrit.
History
Early years and successes
The party was established in 1971 by Ian Paisley and Desmond Boal and other members of the Protestant Unionist Party. It has won seats at local council, Northern Ireland, UK and European level. It won eight seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly of 1973–1974, where it opposed the formation of a power-sharing executive made up of unionists and Irish nationalists following the Sunningdale Agreement. The DUP were more Ulster loyalist than the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and its establishment arguably stemmed from insecurities of the Ulster Protestant working class.[18] Paisley was elected one of Northern Ireland's three European Parliament members at the first elections in 1979. He retained that seat in every European election until 2004, when he was replaced by Jim Allister, who resigned from the DUP in 2007 while retaining his seat.[12]
The DUP also holds seats in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, and has been elected to each of the Northern Ireland conventions and assemblies set up since the party's creation. It has long been the principal rival to the other major unionist party, the UUP (known for a time in the 1970s and 1980s as the Official Unionist Party (OUP) to distinguish it from the then multitude of other unionist parties, some set up by deposed former leaders). The DUP's main opponent is Sinn Féin and its main rival for votes is the Ulster Unionist Party.
1998–2005
Following the Troubles, the DUP was originally involved in the negotiations under former United States Senator George J. Mitchell that led to the Good Friday Agreement, but withdrew in protest when Sinn Féin, an Irish republican party with links to the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), was allowed to participate while the IRA retained its weapons. The DUP opposed the Agreement in the Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement referendum, in which the Agreement was approved with 71.1% of the electorate in favour.
The opposition was based on a number of reasons, including:
- The early release of paramilitary prisoners
- The mechanism to allow Sinn Féin to hold government office despite ongoing IRA activity.
- The lack of accountability of ministers in the Northern Ireland Executive
- The lack of accountability of the North/South Ministerial Council and North/South Implementation Bodies
The Good Friday Agreement relied on the support of a majority of unionists and a majority of nationalists in order for it to operate.[citation needed] During the 2003 Assembly Election, the DUP argued for a "fair deal" that could command the support of both unionists and nationalists. After the results of this election the DUP argued that support was no longer present within unionism for the Good Friday Agreement. They went on to publish their proposals for devolution in Ireland entitled Devolution Now.[19] These proposals have been refined and re-stated in further policy documents including Moving on[20] and Facing Reality.[21] The DUP holds the view that any party which is linked to a terrorist organisation should not be eligible to hold Government office.[citation needed]
The DUP fought the resulting election to the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly and took two seats in the multi-party power-sharing executive. While serving as ministers, they refused to sit in at meetings of the Executive Committee in protest at Sinn Féin's participation.[citation needed] The Executive ultimately collapsed over an alleged IRA espionage ring at Stormont (see Stormontgate).
In the delayed Northern Ireland Assembly election of 2003, the DUP became the largest political party in the region, with 30 seats. In 2004, it became the largest Northern Ireland party at Westminster, with the defection of former UUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson. On 12 December 2004, English MP Andrew Hunter took the DUP whip, giving the party seven seats, in comparison to the UUP's five, Sinn Féin's four, and the Social Democratic and Labour Party's (SDLP) three.
2005–2007
In the 2005 general election, the party reinforced its position as the largest unionist party, winning nine seats, making it the fourth largest party in terms of seats in the British House of Commons behind Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. In terms of votes, the DUP was the fourth largest party on the island of Ireland.
At the local government election of 2005, the DUP also emerged as the largest party at local government level with 182 councillors across Northern Ireland's 26 district councils.[22] The DUP has a majority of the members on both Castlereagh Borough Council, which has long been a DUP stronghold and is home to party leader Peter Robinson, also in Ballymena Borough Council, home to the party's founder Ian Paisley, and finally Ards Borough Council. As well as outright control on these councils, the DUP is also the largest party in eight of the other councils. These are Antrim Borough Council, Ballymoney Borough Council, Banbridge District Council, Belfast City Council, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Coleraine Borough Council, Craigavon Borough Council and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
On 11 April 2006, it was announced that three DUP members were to be elevated to the House of Lords: Maurice Morrow, Wallace Browne, the former Lord Mayor of Belfast, and Eileen Paisley, a vice-president of the DUP and wife of DUP Leader Ian Paisley. None, however, sit as DUP peers.
On 27 October 2006, the DUP issued a four-page letter in the Belfast Telegraph newspaper asking "Are the terms of Saint Andrew's a basis of moving forward to devolution?", with responses to be received to its party headquarters by 8 November. It was part of the party's policy of consultation with its electorate before entering a power-sharing government.[citation needed]
On 24 November 2006, Ian Paisley refused to nominate himself as First Minister of Northern Ireland designate. There was confusion between all parties whether he actually said that if Sinn Féin supported policing and the rule of law that he would nominate himself on 28 March 2007 after the Assembly elections on 7 March 2007. The Assembly meeting was brought to an abrupt end when the building had to be evacuated because of a security breach. Paisley later released a statement through the press office stating that he did in fact imply that if Sinn Féin supported policing and the rule of law, he would go into a power-sharing government with them. This was following a statement issued by 12 DUP MLAs stating that what Ian Paisley had said in the chamber could not be interpreted as a nomination.[23]
In February 2007, the DUP suggested that it would begin to impose fines up to £20,000 on members disobeying the party whip on crucial votes.[24]
On 24 March 2007 the DUP party executive overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution put to them by the party officers which did not agree to an establishment of devolution and an executive in Northern Ireland by the Government's deadline of 26 March, but did agree to setting up an executive on 8 May 2007.[11]
On 27 March 2007, the party's sole Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Jim Allister, resigned from the party, in opposition to the decision to enter a power-sharing government with Sinn Féin. He retained his seat as an independent MEP as leader of his new hard-line anti-St Andrews Agreement splinter group that he formed with other disaffected members who had left the DUP over the issue, Traditional Unionist Voice, a seat which he retained until Diane Dodds won the seat back for the DUP in 2009. MP Gregory Campbell warned on 6 April 2007 that his party would be watching to see if benefits flow from its agreement to share power with Sinn Féin.[25]
Robinson leadership
On 31 May 2008, the party's central Executive Committee met at the offices of Castlereagh Borough Council where Ian Paisley formally stepped down as party leader and Peter Robinson was ratified as the new leader, with Nigel Dodds as his deputy.
On 11 June 2008 the party supported the government's proposal to detain terror suspects for up to 42 days, leading to The Independent dubbing all of the party's nine MPs as part of "Brown's dirty dozen".[26] The Times reported that the party had been given "sweeteners for Northern Ireland" and "a peerage for the Rev Ian Paisley", amongst other offers, to secure Gordon Brown's bill.[27]
Members of the DUP were lambasted by the press and voters, after MPs' expenses reports were leaked to the media. Several newspapers referred to the "Swish Family Robinson" after Peter Robinson, and his wife Iris, claimed £571,939.41 in expenses with a further £150,000 being paid to family members.[28] Further embarrassment was caused to the party when its deputy leader, Nigel Dodds, had the highest expenses claims of any Northern Ireland MP, ranking 13th highest out of all UK MPs.[29] Details of all MPs' expenses claims since 2004 were published in July 2009 under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
In January 2010, Peter Robinson was at the centre of a high-profile scandal relating to his 60-year-old MP/MLA wife Iris Robinson's infidelity with a 19-year-old man, and alleged serious financial irregularities associated with the scandal.[30][31]
In the 2010 General Election, the party suffered a major upset when its leader, Peter Robinson, lost his Belfast East seat to Naomi Long of the APNI on a swing of 22.9%. However, the party maintained its position elsewhere, fighting off a challenge from the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force in Antrim South and Strangford and from Jim Allister's Traditional Unionist Voice in Antrim North.
The DUP were strongly criticised after the Red Sky scandal in which DUP ministers attempted to influence a decision at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. The decision related to a £8 million contract of east Belfast firm Red Sky. The Housing Executive cancelled Red Sky's contract after a BBC Spotlight investigation into the company, which was shown to be overcharging taxpayers. The DUP cited "sectarian bias" in relation to the decision.[32] The party suspended DUP councillor Jenny Palmer, who sat on the Executive board, after she confessed that DUP special adviser Stephen Brimstone pressured her into changing her vote at the meeting.
In the 2015 General Election, when the result was expected to be a hung parliament, the issue of DUP and the UK Independence Party forming a coalition government with the UK Conservative Party was considered by Nigel Farage (leader of UKIP).[33][34] The then Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democrats, Nick Clegg, warned against this "Blukip" coalition, with a spoof website highlighting imagined policies from this coalition – such as reinstating the death penalty, scrapping all benefits for under 25s and charging for hospital visits.[35] Additionally, issues were raised about the continued existence of the BBC (as the DUP, UKIP and Conservatives had made a number of statements criticising the institution)[36] and support for LGBT rights and same-sex marriage.[37][38] However, in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live deputy leader of the DUP Nigel Dodds told BBC Newsline in 2015 that, despite opposition to same-sex marriage, the DUP was "against discrimination based on religion ... or sexual orientation".[38] Additionally, David Cameron said he "totally disagreed" with the DUP on the issue of same-sex marriage and LGBT rights, claiming that "nothing I will do" would go against the principle of "the values that I have", including "equality for gay and lesbian people".[39]
On 10 September 2015, Peter Robinson stepped aside as First Minister and other DUP ministers, with the exception of Arlene Foster, resigned their portfolios.[40]
Foster leadership
On 4 October 2016, DUP leader Arlene Foster and DUP MPs held a champagne reception at the Conservative Party conference, marking what some have described as an "informal coalition" or an "understanding" between the two parties to account for the Conservatives' narrow majority in the House of Commons.[41][42]
In January 2017, the Northern Ireland Executive collapsed after Martin McGuinness resigned in protest at the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal, which centred on a green energy scheme that Foster set up in her capacity as Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The scheme lacked cost controls and could cost the public purse up to £490 million. Foster refused to resign or step aside during any inquiry into her role in the scheme, which led McGuinness to resign. His resignation caused snap elections after Sinn Féin refused to re-nominate a deputy First Minister. The Northern Ireland Assembly election resulted in a loss of 10 seats for the DUP, leaving them only one seat and 1,200 votes ahead of Sinn Féin, a result described by the Belfast Telegraph as "catastrophic".[43] In the the 2017 general election, the DUP won 10 seats overall, placing them 3 seats ahead of Sinn Féin.[44]
Policies
The DUP is a right-wing populist[5] party. It is characterized by its Ulster loyalist position, which it has staunchly held since its inception. Ulster loyalism, with its aim for continued inclusion of Northern Ireland in the UK, has been identified as a type of ethnic nationalism.[45] The DUP has historically been associated with paramilitarism and in recent years has been supported by paramilitary Ulster loyalist groups such as the Ulster Defence Association, the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commando, which have been proscribed terrorist organisations.[46] Following the 2017 general election, where no party received an outright majority, it entered into an agreement to support the Conservative party in government.[47] The DUP said "The alternative is intolerable. For as long as Corbyn leads Labour, we will ensure there’s a Tory PM."[47]
The DUP is in favour of a "soft Brexit", opposes a hard Irish border,[4][48] and wishes to maintain the Common Travel Area.[49] East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson caused controversy in March 2016 during a BBC Spotlight episode discussing the implications of the EU referendum, when it was implied that he agreed with a member of the public who said that he wanted to "get the ethnics out" of Northern Ireland post-Brexit.[50]
Unlike the Conservatives, the DUP is in favour of keeping the "triple lock" for pensions[48] and the Winter Fuel Allowance.[49]
The party is socially conservative and has vetoed the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland since 2015, in opposition to the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom.[51] Former DUP minister Jim Wells called the issue a "red line" for power-sharing talks, adding that "Peter will not marry Paul in Northern Ireland", adding "We will strangle that idea at birth ... nobody wants it except Gerry Adams anyway."[52]
The DUP maintains that it is a "pro-life" party and have campaigned strongly against any extension of abortion rights to the country, unanimously opposing a bill by Labour MP Diane Johnson to protect women in England and Wales from criminal prosecution if they ended a pregnancy using pills bought online, which campaigners say is more prevalent due to the restrictive legislation passed by the DUP.[49][53] They have opposed extra funding for international family planning programmes.[53] Campaigners say their actions have forced thousands of women to travel elsewhere for terminations, or to rely on abortion pills bought online.[49]
The DUP has previously appointed a climate change denier, Sammy Wilson, as environment minister in Northern Ireland[54] and a Young Earth creationist, Mervyn Storey, as its education minister.[55]
Party leadership
Northern Ireland Executive Ministers
The following information is correct for the Northern Ireland Executive in January 2017. See Northern Ireland Executive.
Portfolio | Name |
---|---|
First Minister | Vacant |
Junior Minister (nominated by First Minister) | Vacant |
Party spokespersons – Westminster
As listed by the party.[56]
Responsibility | Spokesperson |
---|---|
Westminster Leader Foreign Affairs Reform and Constitutional Issues |
Nigel Dodds, MP |
Cabinet Office International Development |
Gregory Campbell, MP |
Business in the House of Commons Chief Whip Defence |
Jeffrey Donaldson, MP |
Communities and Local Government Culture, Media and Sport Energy and Climate Change |
Ian Paisley Jr., MP |
Justice Home Affairs Human Rights |
Gavin Robinson, MP |
Equality Health Transport |
Jim Shannon, MP |
Business, Innovation and Skills Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |
David Simpson, MP |
Education Treasury Work and Pensions |
Sammy Wilson, MP |
Representatives
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Members of the House of Commons following 8 June 2017 General Election:
- Gregory Campbell – East Londonderry
- Jeffrey Donaldson – Lagan Valley
- Nigel Dodds – Belfast North
- Paul Girvan – South Antrim gained from UUP on 8 June 2017
- Ian Paisley Jr. – North Antrim
- Emma Pengelly – Belfast South gained from SDLP on 8 June 2017
- Gavin Robinson – Belfast East
- Jim Shannon – Strangford
- David Simpson – Upper Bann
- Sammy Wilson – East Antrim
Members of the House of Lords
- Wallace Browne, Baron Browne of Belmont
- William Hay, Baron Hay of Ballyore
- Maurice Morrow, Baron Borrow of Clogher Valley
- Eileen Paisley, Baroness Paisley of St George's (currently on leave of absence)
Northern Ireland Assembly
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly elected in May 2016:
- Sydney Anderson – Upper Bann
- Jonathan Bell – Strangford
- Maurice Bradley – East Londonderry
- Paula Bradley – Belfast North
- Joanne Bunting – Belfast East
- Keith Buchanan – Mid Ulster
- Thomas Buchanan – West Tyrone
- Pam Cameron – South Antrim
- Trevor Clarke – South Antrim
- Sammy Douglas – Belfast East
- Gordon Dunne – North Down
- Alex Easton – North Down
- Arlene Foster – Fermanagh and South Tyrone
- Paul Frew – North Antrim
- Paul Girvan – South Antrim
- Paul Givan – Lagan Valley
- Brenda Hale – Lagan Valley
- Simon Hamilton – Strangford
- David Hilditch – East Antrim
- William Humphrey – Belfast North
- Carla Lockhart – Upper Bann
- William Irwin – Newry and Armagh
- Phillip Logan – North Antrim
- Gordon Lyons – East Antrim
- Nelson McCausland – Belfast North
- Michelle McIlveen – Strangford
- Adrian McQuillan – East Londonderry
- Gary Middleton – Foyle
- Baron Borrow of Clogher Valley – Fermanagh and South Tyrone
- Robin Newton – Belfast East
- Emma Pengelly – Belfast South
- Edwin Poots – Lagan Valley
- George Robinson – East Londonderry
- Christopher Stalford – Belfast South
- Alastair Ross – East Antrim
- Mervyn Storey – North Antrim
- Peter Weir – North Down
- Jim Wells – South Down
European Parliament
Members elected in 2014
- Diane Dodds – MEP for Northern Ireland
Leadership
Founder Ian Paisley led the party from its foundation in 1971 onwards, and retired as leader of the party in spring 2008.
Paisley was replaced by former deputy leader Peter Robinson on 31 May 2008, who in turn was replaced by Arlene Foster on 17 December 2015.
Party leader
The following are the terms of office as party leader and as First Minister of Northern Ireland:
Leader | Period | Constituency | Years as First Minister |
---|---|---|---|
Ian Paisley | 1971–2008 | MP for Bannside (1970–72) MP for North Antrim (1970–2010) MEP for Northern Ireland (1979–2004) MLA for North Antrim (1998–2011) |
2007–2008 (Executive of the 3rd Assembly) |
Peter Robinson | 2008–2015 | MP for Belfast East (1979–2010) MLA for Belfast East (1998–present) |
2008–2011–2016 (Executive of the 3rd and 4th Assembly) |
Arlene Foster | 2015–present | MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone (2003–present) | 2016–2017 (Executive of the 4th Assembly) |
Deputy leader
Name | Period | Constituency |
---|---|---|
William Beattie | 1971–1980 | MP for South Antrim (1970–72) |
Peter Robinson | 1980–2008 | MP for Belfast East (1979–2010) MLA for Belfast East (1998–present) |
Nigel Dodds | 2008–present | MLA for Belfast North (1998–2010) MP for Belfast North (2001–present) |
Westminster leader
Name | Period | Constituency |
---|---|---|
Ian Paisley | 1974–2010 | North Antrim |
Nigel Dodds | 2010–present | Belfast North |
General election results
Election | House of Commons | Share of votes | Seats | +/- | Government |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1974 (Feb) | 46th | 5.7% | 1 / 12
|
1 | Opposition |
1974 (Oct) | 47th | 5.8% | 1 / 12
|
Opposition | |
1979 | 48th | 10.2% | 3 / 12
|
2 | Opposition |
1983 | 49th | 19.9% | 3 / 17
|
Opposition | |
1987 | 50th | 11.7% | 3 / 17
|
Opposition | |
1992 | 51st | 13.1% | 3 / 17
|
Opposition | |
1997 | 52nd | 13.6% | 2 / 18
|
1 | Opposition |
2001 | 53rd | 22.5% | 5 / 18
|
3 | Opposition |
2005 | 54th | 33.7% | 9 / 18
|
4 | Opposition |
2010 | 55th | 25.0% | 8 / 18
|
1 | Opposition |
2015 | 56th | 25.7% | 8 / 18
|
Opposition | |
2017 | 57th | 10 / 18
|
2 | Con–DUP pact |
Northern Ireland Assembly election results
Election | Northern Ireland Assembly | Total Votes | Share of votes | Seats | +/- | Government |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1973 | 1973 Assembly | 78,228 | 10.8% | 8 / 78
|
8 | Opposition |
1975 | Constitutional Convention | 97,073 | 14.8% | 12 / 78
|
4 | Fourth largest party |
1982 | 1982 Assembly | 145,528 | 23.0% | 21 / 78
|
9 | Opposition |
1996 | Forum | 141,413 | 18.8% | 24 / 110
|
24 | Second largest party |
1998 | 1st Assembly | 145,917 | 18.5% | 20 / 108
|
4 | Junior party in coalition |
2003 | 2nd Assembly | 177,944 | 25.7% | 30 / 108
|
10 | Largest party, direct rule |
2007 | 3rd Assembly | 207,721 | 30.1% | 36 / 108
|
6 | Coalition |
2011 | 4th Assembly | 198,436 | 30.0% | 38 / 108
|
2 | Coalition |
2016 | 5th Assembly | 202,567 | 29.2% | 38 / 108
|
Coalition | |
2017 | 6th Assembly | 225,413 | 28.1% | 28 / 90
|
10 | TBD |
See also
References
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