In an interview with Sky News today, the DUP’s parliamentary leader Nigel Dodds delivered a blow to the Tories that will have sent tremors through Downing Street.
The Establishment media’s constant line to minimise the realism of the prospect of Labour bringing down the government has been that the DUP would never tolerate the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn in Number Ten – but Dodds had already shown the depth of his disaffection with the Theresa May’s government and the DUP’s recent conference made abundantly clear that the rest of his party is aligned with his view.
And now Dodds has created a shockwave by telling Sky News’ Adam Boulton that he has noted Jeremy Corbyn’s commitment to the Belfast (or ‘Good Friday’) Agreement – and hinting that the DUP’s interests and their view of the best future for Northern Ireland might be better served by seeing Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister than Theresa May:
SKWAWKBOX comment:
A successful no-confidence vote when Labour brings its motion next Tuesday just suddenly looks a distinctly likely prospect.
In fact, if the DUP follows through on Dodds’ hint and other opposition parties swing behind the Labour leader, there’s even an outside possibility of a Corbyn-led government without the need for a new general election, although it’s likely he would want to call one to cement its mandate to govern.
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But isn’t also possible that the Tories could elect a new leader to replace May and avoid a change in government?
Theoretically yes. Realistically, no.
If the no confidence vote passes, then a confidence vote in a Government, of some form, has to be passed within 14 days, or else there must be a general election.
A leave-minded leader could not command the confidence of remainers. A remain-minded leader could not command the confidence of leavers. A compromise candidate could not plausibly be found within 14 days.
Like
But who have the Tories got that would keep the DUP happy and thus avoid a change in govt?
Fantastic!
Interesting that Dodds is happy to cite his trust in Corbyn. No expert on the history; but, just perhaps, there is a v. subtle acknowledgement of Corbyn’s diplomacy/even handedness as emissary during those troubled times – maybe not, but it certainly helps to correct the imbalanced view of Corbyn, that is forever touted by the MSM.
Unfortunately he said the opposite on 5live this morning. He brought up “support for terrorism” even though the DUP have supported loyalist paramilitaries. I don’t think the DUP will be supporting Corbyn. Also do we really want to govern with them? and with no real majority. I cant get excited about this.
I’m sure you’re right to be sceptical Keith. It was this, from Eileen Paisley that made me indulge myself with a little, seasonal, optimism:
“Ian Paisley’s oldest friend in Parliament wasn’t a Right-wing Tory, as might have been expected, but the Left-wing MP Tony Benn,
Eileen said: “They were very close even though Ian said he was a bit of a republican. I remember watching them embrace once and there was such warmth between them. Ian knew Jeremy Corbyn too, and he liked him.
“He didn’t share his politics and he didn’t approve of Jeremy Corbyn meeting Gerry Adams and Sinn Fein people when the IRA campaign was still going on. But he always found him very courteous and polite. He said Jeremy was a gentleman.”
Currently Sinn Fein are supporting May’s deal. (It is good for NI but not for anyone else) so there would be a natural liaison with labour and the DUP. Things have changed big time since the peace process. I see no reason why labour couldn’t work with the DUP via a promise to respect the union within the context of the EU. NI isn’t standing in the same place forever. Even we move with time!
Spoons come to mind when treating with the DUP – long ones and also counting your supply.
Remember that the DUP does not represent the whole of NI even in terms of the one issue of Brexit!
quite right – currently on this issue they barely represent anyone in NI. Everyone here either wants May’s deal or a new ref. But a working political relationship with Labour is both a positive and realistic. It doesn’t mean Labour has to buy into all of DUP archaic social beliefs but the DUP are well aware that they need a change to their social outlook which puts them in a dying minority in NI.
Mr Corbyn and Momentum would be very foolish indeed if they were to get into bed with the anti-catholic, anti-irish nationalist/Republican half of the NI population, the anti-LGBT lobby in NI, then anti-abortion lobby and the anti- irish language gaelgeoir, as all are embodied in the DUP.
For the series – lie down with dogs and get up with anti- irish, anti-abortion, anti LBT, fleas. How disgusting can you get ?
I think the DUP are clearly on the back foot where they are losing on every front today. They are literally in an existential set of fights. This is a good time to make tentative friends. (I seem to be fighting a corner here! too!)
Just read in the irish news. Sammy Wilson said “we are happy to take the Uk into an election to prove we have the support of the province”. Well forget the last bit but with DUP support for labour the government is finished
Can’t find this – any more details?
I would have preferred not to have the mental image of Jeremy and Arlene ‘spooning’.