“Next Generation Unionism?”

As anger over Boris Johnson’s Withdrawal Agreement grows, one group of unionists has put out an “anti-betrayal act” poster. It sums up the current state of unionism. The poster portrays a baying mob with pitchforks. Apparently all unionist men dress like junior members of The Bar Library and work in an office. The language used is macho and patriarchal. There are no women on the poster, presumably because they’re all at home rolling their eyes.

The poster comes at a time when unionists and all “pro-union” types are supposed to be rallying together. Johnson’s deal is bad for Northern Ireland and, if he gets a majority at the next election, there’s nothing anybody can do to stop it. Nationalism is resurgent. The growing centre ground and the “rise of the neithers” is making people nervous.

It’s against this backdrop that the DUP have started talking about, “Next Generation Unionism.” Writing today in an article for the Belfast Telegraph, Arlene Foster says she wants to build a collaborative vision for unionism: “Some will be right of centre, some left, but all can unite around the merits of Northern Ireland’s long-term future. The umbrella for unionists must be large with many portals and multiple gateways in.”

Talk of reaching out to unionists of every political persuasion wise has raised eyebrows. In recent years the DUP have treated unionists (as one friend put it to me earlier this year) as Borg like extensions of their own minds. Only a few days ago the party was claiming it “speaks for Northern Ireland” when it comes to Brexit.

Political unionism has always acted as though there is one version of itself. It tears down those who advocate anything different. Dissent is fine but only if it operates within the boundaries and narratives that unionism sets for itself. There is little space for left wing, liberal, LGBT or feminist unionists. Unionists and pro-union voters from a nationalist background are completely ignored. As recent elections show, these voters have found a home elsewhere.

Political unionism has spent most of its history happily ignoring the diversity within its ranks. It has taken its supporters for granted. Now it realises it needs the people it’s cast aside.

The problem for Foster and other leaders within unionism is this: to date they’ve expected loyalty. They’ve banged the drum when they want people to fall into line. They never give anything in return.

When Foster talks about building a “coalition” with other unionists, does she mean unionists who campaigned for abortion reform and same sex marriage? Is she talking about the unionists who want an Irish Language Act and the unionists who fought against welfare reform? What do they get for buying into “Next Generation Unionism?”

Some people are willing to put aside their political leanings and vote unionist, no matter the cost. It’s a mistake to think others will do the same. If she’s serious about “Next Generation Unionism,” Foster needs a lundy magnet, not a leash.