Split votes will take Northern Ireland in ‘wrong direction’, says Robinson

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.”

He also told delegates that Sinn Féin and the SDLP treat the rights and traditions of unionists as “obstacles”, saying the parties are engaging in “majoritarianism”.

He said the DUP will support reform to the Executive and the Assembly if it works for his party.

“In recent months, calls have been growing by these left-wing parties to reform the workings of the Assembly and Executive,” he added.

He also hit out at Sinn Féin’s Conor Murphy, who recently warned that the “wheels could come off” if the Stormont institutions were not reformed.

“I told him to tighten his nuts,” Mr Robinson said.

“Funny how the threats stopped after that. Mr Murphy, I don’t know how painful a process that was for you, but know this, the DUP will not be threatened or bullied.”

“Let me be clear – we support reform that will better deliver for all our people.

“People deserve quicker decisions, better services and a government that works more effectively for them.

“But calls for institutional reform by those parties, as they try to outdo each other, are not designed to advance the cause of everyday issues.”

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.

Ms Little Pengelly accused the First Minister of “weaponising” her position and “seeking to blur” the role.

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.”

Following the conclusion of the conference, several members of the high-profile evangelical Christian Burke family from Co Mayo approached party members as they left the hotel.

They questioned some DUP MLAs on the party’s position on some LGBT issues. Party security intervened and removed some party members from the area and into cars.