Backbenchers eh? Doncha just love them. Nicholas Winterton throws a spanner in the works of the UUP Conservative pact [ Aye, well maybe, and maybe not – ed]:
“I am concerned that the arrangement now being entered into between the Conservatives and Unionist Party and the Official Unionists (UUP) in Northern Ireland will divide the vote in marginal constituencies and serve only to let in Sinn Fein. Those that seek to divide are doing a disservice to the unionist cause. We have a duty not to turn our backs on the unionist people of Northern Ireland whose loyalty to our Queen and country I have never doubted. That loyalty should be honoured and reciprocated but never betrayed.”
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