East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson has responded to the comments of Tory Leader David Cameron in today’s press. Mr. Cameron said: “The Conservative Party in government will never side with one part of the community over another”. Mr. Wilson questioned how this was possible given the nature of politics not only in Northern Ireland but throughout the world. Mr Wilson said:
"The comments made by David Cameron that he would never side with one part of the community over the other raises questions for Reg Empey. In Northern Ireland, like all societies in the world, there are occasions when a side has to be picked, when people have to stand up and be counted for what they believe in. In Northern Ireland there are times when someone has to decide whether they are on the Unionist side of the debate or the Nationalist side of it.
As his party takes over the UUP, the Tory Leader has indicated his desire to squat uncomfortably in no-mans land – firmly refusing to take a side in the contest of ideas that is Ulster politics. It seems as though the “heir to Blair” has become the heir to David Ford.
Is this the ground now occupied by the UUP – will they steadfastly refuse to pick one side over the other? Have they merged into some sort of blue-tinged Alliance Party - afraid to stand up for Unionism for fear that it offends the sensitivities of their newly discovered Tory friends?
Reg Empey’s argument that the UUP merger with the Tories will mainstream the Unionist cause at Westminster has been shot to pieces by the comments of Mr. Cameron. Reg Empey has sold this unpopular merger to his own party on the basis that it will result in Unionists being at the heart of government and the Tories becoming the standard bearer for Unionism. Clearly that is not how Mr. Cameron sees it.
It is impossible not to take sides and claim to be a Unionist standard bearer. Once again the unfortunate Reg Empey seems to have found that his dream partner betrays him even before he gets a ring on his finger."
