Steven King, regular columnist at the Belfast Telegraph and the UUP’s Director of Elections, argues that the DUP has merely soaked up the anti Agreement vote, rather than increased it. However he honestly admits there is a crisis within both moderate Unionism and Nationalism.
And he has an interesting solution to their next electoral challenge:
“Equally, northern moderates need to examine how they can co-operate to create virtuous circles instead of downward spirals.
“Martin Morgan and Jim Nicholson’s second preferences were never counted but anecdotal evidence suggests significant numbers of both parties’ supporters were prepared to ignore the official advice and cross the community divide with their second preferences.
“A couple of thousand “lent” votes next time in places such as Foyle, South Down, Newry and Armagh, East Antrim, South Antrim and Upper Bann might prove very powerful”.
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty
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