UUP conference: a little more action

The UUP’s new leader told the annual conference of his moderate but “unashamed” unionism and his hope for a “genuine shared future” for his two children. Meadhbh Monahan reports.

“Let’s do this for the Tom Flemings, the Bertie Kerrs and the Victor Emmersons of this party,” enthused Tom Elliott at the end of his leader’s speech at the UUP conference on 4 December.

By appealing to these party stalwarts, Elliott once again made it clear that his allegiances lie with the traditional (and older) party members.

Following a year where the UUP lost its only MP and seven members have publicly resigned, Elliott’s claim that “we need to stop trying to re-invent and re- position ourselves and concentrate, instead, on reminding people of what we have done and can do”, seemed out-of- touch. In addition, his claim that “voters vote for united, disciplined parties” reminded members of the need to show a united front.

The fact that Elliott needed to clarify that he is not “a political dinosaur” and effectively re-introduce himself was an attempt to distance himself from the media stereotype of an out-of-touch Orange farmer.

“I am a unionist; an unembarrassed, unapologetic unionist. Not a rural unionist, or a west-of-the-Bann unionist, or an Orange unionist, or a this unionist or a that unionist – just a unionist like everyone here,” Elliott insisted.

“My unionism is not determined by religion, race or background. My unionism is open to anyone and everyone who lives in Northern Ireland and supports that process,” he added.

A sign of the moderate Elliott came when he said that nationalists’ passion for a united Ireland is “every bit as valid as my passion for the United Kingdom” and that “I never believed in an insular, closed- door unionism.”

A shared society and “common responsibility” are not possible when you “have a government which is built on carve-up and veto,” Elliott contended.

In a dig at the DUP, Elliot stated: “Right now people need and deserve politicians who put the public’s interests before their own narrow party political interests, not a party that claims to want an end to double jobbing and then cynically does a u-turn.”

He explained that the UUP had delivered devolution. “When the DUP walked away we stayed.” Reg Empey was commended after delivering for savers in the Presbyterian Mutual Society and the UUP had “led the way” in getting for corporation tax lowered, Elliott claimed.

“Let no-one in this party remain quiet when the DUP tries now to claim the credit for all that we did,” he said. Unlike Michael McGimpsey – who criticised the other parties in the Executive and the press, saying: “We all know that the Health Service is a convenient punch bag for some politicians and the press” – Elliott saved his criticism for the “Sinn Féin-DUP carve-up” calling it “a failure.”

The new leader suggested unity on “persevering, protecting and promoting” the common interests of the UUP and the DUP.

“I am happy to talk to other unionist parties about ways in which we don’t damage the chances of winning seats [but] the UUP will be a free-standing party,” he said. A “strong link” with the Conservatives should be retained despite the failure of the UCUNF electoral pact.

As Elvis Presley’s lyrics – “a little less conversation a little more action please” – rang out and Elliott received a standing ovation, spirits were high and delegates commented: “That was rousing stuff”, “[It was] a good speech.”

Jim Nicholson, MEP told agendaNi that while the party had suffered a setback when none of the Westminster candidates secured a seat in May, the number of delegates in attendance (approximately 400) was testament that everyone was ready to push forward for May’s Assembly election.

Another delegate was feeling positive. Councillor Alex Baird said: “I am more than happy with the party’s spirit. Despite the bad weather the numbers are good and there was a bus up from Fermanagh.” He added: “We are out to win in both the Assembly and local elections.”

South Down MLA John McCallister was similarly pleased with “the good upbeat mood,” saying: “There’s a good atmosphere. All our candidates are in place and we are getting on with a positive agenda.”

Unlike other party conferences, particularly the SDLP, where young people mingle with party representatives, the UUP conference hall was dominated by elderly couples and groups of elderly men. Elliott previously told agendaNi that the UUP needs “more women … more young people, more men [and] more society.”

When the 29 Assembly candidates were brought onto the stage the lack of women (three) was evident. And, little mention was made of the youngest candidate, 26- year-old Mark Hill who will stand for Lagan Valley alongside Basil McCrea.

A smattering of applause was heard when party chairman David Campbell lambasted Harry Hamilton, Paula Bradshaw and “to some extent” Trevor Ringland for taking the nomination “and then in one disappointment, pack up their bags in an ill-tempered sulk.” However, one delegate looked uncomfortable saying: “This isn’t necessary.”

Policy

The economy was to the fore during the motion that proposing that the power to reduce corporation tax be devolved to the Assembly. Proposer David McNarry told the party: “It is a disgrace, an absolute nonsense, that we have no budget with nothing likely this side of Christmas and all the signs pointing to a cobbled together botched rush job squeezed in before next March.”

He said that the party’s ‘Listening, Responding, Leading’ document “is all about growing a competitive economy, investing in the future and offering a better way out of the doom and gloom.”

Despite Elliott’s previous claims that he will run the UUP like a business, there was little evidence of this in his speech which harkened back to previous party achievements and which was over- shadowed by the numerous resignations prior to and during his first three months of leadership.

John McCallister livened up proceedings after a dry speech from Michael McGimpsey and quite a nervous oration by Elliott.

“Tom and I are fortunate to have a farming background because we know what hard work is about, we know what getting our hands dirty is about and we know what doing it for very little reward is about. There is a creamery can down at the back and we don’t want to hear any coins going in,” McCallister quipped as the audience laughed.