tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242027486981297136.post1449213438114608390..comments2023-07-03T06:52:50.875-07:00Comments on Tales From Lecale: DUP: King-makers in North DownBarry Mageehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413713477522676309noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242027486981297136.post-5335581735211177862010-03-27T09:55:06.483-07:002010-03-27T09:55:06.483-07:00Hi Nicholas, thank you for your comment. I agree t...Hi Nicholas, thank you for your comment. I agree that such an agreement may seem unlikely but it can not be dismissed - as it is clear that the DUP want to win in F/ST at all costs. I believe that the DUP has nothing to gain from endorsing Silvia - as I believe that the DUP would win the seat themselves if they go it alone. So why are they holding back? I doubt it is in the hope that Silvia will beat the UUP, as I do not believe that will happen with or without the DUP's participation in the election in ND. The DUP haS everything to gain from coming to an "arrangement" with the UUP. It is clear the DUP want nothing better than to oust Gildernew and I am sure that this scenario has been discussed at DUP HQ during these "Unionist Unity" calculations. But interestingly, as far as I am aware, UCUNF are yet to confirm a candidate for South Antrim, a seat the DUP hold with a slim 3000 majority. Interesting...I suppose we shall have to wait and see!Barry Mageehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10413713477522676309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242027486981297136.post-3784857252157823142010-03-27T03:28:22.196-07:002010-03-27T03:28:22.196-07:00Well, that's a novel interpretation! But it do...Well, that's a novel interpretation! But it doesn't seem that negotiations between the UUP and DUP are anywhere near sufficiently advanced for such a deal; and if I were a DUP strategist choosing between endorsement of the UUP, who are strategic rivals, and Lady Hermon, who has been occasionally a tactical ally and presents no strategic threat, I think my choice would be pretty obvious.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com