Tom Elliott’s Leadership bid for the Ulster Unionist Party is finally up and running, four weeks to the day before the members vote at the Waterfront Hall on the 22nd of September.
Introduced by Cllr Jo-Anne Dobson, and with support speeches from Sandra Overend (UUP Womens Development Officer) and Jim Nicholson MEP, Tom has set out his stall on his Vision for the Party and for Northern Ireland, on a unionism that is inclusive, non-sectarian and our best guarantee for economic and social development, on re-shaping the Conservative link so we never again stand for election as anything other than Ulster Unionists, and on the re-assurances we need before we discuss unionist co-operation (unity is not on Tom’s agenda).
Follow developments here, on facebook and on Tom’s website, http://www.tomelliottmla.net/
Mike, sorry I didn’t make it down but looked good on UTV last night, and Tom came across very well. Its good that those who made him out to be promoting a “United Unionist Party” have been put straight. I was also glad to see such a wide spectrum of the party there, the new faces like yourself and Jo-Anne, and lets say the older guard like Ken and Jim Nicholson, it shouldnt be either one or the other, a leader needs both groups to make the party work.
It is interesting to see how quickly leadership candidates ditch established party policy when it suits……at the election we had Tom (and others) telling us the tory link was a good thing – now (when it is opportune) we are told it may not be – is there any principle at work here or is the only principle to get elected as leader ?
Alex.
Alex,
In fairness, it seems that Tom saying no to any more UCUNF has been conflated with no more co-operation with the Conservatives, which is not what he is saying.
Tom – and I agree – says no to the UCUNF brand, which did not work in May. In future, Ulster Unionist candidates will stand as just that, Ulster Unionists, but may support the Conservatives if elected to Westminster.
So, I do not think it is quite accurate to say he is ditching established party policy.
Even Basil McCrea, who I sat beside when he rubbished the idea of continuing the link at an open meeting in Ballynafeigh after the Election, can justify his rejection of the link by pointing out the deal was for the 2009 Euro and 2010 Westminster Elections. So, factually, there is no link at present, and thus te debate is open. I have heard Tom say “yes” and Basil a firm “no” to renewing the relationship. I say “yes” to exploring the possibilities, not least of the link helping to strengthen the Union.