The new Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader, Mike Nesbitt, warned that if Stormont, a treasured asset, falls apart once more, it may never recover. Mr. Nesbitt, a former broadcast journalist who also serves as Stormont’s health minister, gave his main address remotely at the yearly UUP conference in Belfast as he is convalescing from Coronavirus. He expressed a desire for his campaign to be infused with the optimism seen in 1998 during the Agreement.
Mr. Nesbitt emphasised that there is no superior replacement to devolution and encouraged vigorous efforts to safeguard and nurture it. This tenure marks his second spell as UUP leader, having previously held the position from 2012 to 2017. He replaced Doug Beattie, who unexpectedly resigned last month due to irreconcilable differences with party officers and a perceived inability to guide the party’s direction.
Mr. Nesbitt acknowledged Mr. Beattie’s contributions, although the latter was absent from the conference. He refrained from discussing in detail the reasons behind his predecessor’s departure. The UUP leader used his address to call on Unionists for heightened cross-party collaboration at Stormont, terming it as the “definitive test of this mandate”.
He reminded his party that depending on the conventional voting pool for victory was a strategy of the past, which would not return. He stated, “It necessitates more than just draping ourselves in the Union Flag and reciting God Save the King.” He urged those against devolution to rethink their stance and ponder over being governed by a London administration intent on implementing harsh austerity measures. He posed the question, “What more control could the Irish Government gain over our matters from Dublin?”
The restoration of Stormont seemed to bring us to the brink of irreversible ruin, demonstrating that there was no superior substitute, as I saw it in February. I am firmly of the opinion that if Stormont falls once more, it will be gone forever. Any future agreement would necessitate a negotiation resembling that of 1998; however, I question its feasibility in this modern era of disruptive social media and alternate realities.
As Sinn Féin’s political gains at both the Westminster and Stormont levels continue, pleas for ‘unionist unity’ within rival unionist parties are being rebutted by Mr. Nesbitt. He argues that whilst many are clamouring for this move, the UUP’s strategy and vision to maintain its place within the UK distinguishes it.
“We’re often labelled as moderate, liberal, or progressive. But I categorize us as the party of sensibility,” declared Mr. Nesbitt. “So, I’ll back any action that sensibility demands because it will solidify our status in the UK – and let there be no misunderstanding; this includes sensible and pragmatic collaboration with the Republic of Ireland.”