Fair Deal (Belfast, Slugger O’Toole): In a Radio Ulster interview, DUP Deputy Leader in waiting Nigel Dodds, has left the door open to a deal on 42 days detention.
With nine MPs, the DUP is the fourth strongest group at Westminster. In March, The Guardian speculated that a Labour/DUP deal was in the offing over the Bill’s second reading. This proved unnecessary and the purported basis of the deal made no sense. However, the new unknown is how the Parliamentary Labour Party will react to the elections? Will they become more or less rebellious and will 42 days become a rallying issue?
The previous possibility of a deal drew criticism from the right and on OurKingdom. However, the arguments offered were unpersuasive:
“the DUP would be affirming that their priorities are fundamentally removed from those of mainstream British politics. That would be powerful ammunition for those who believe that democracy on both sides of the Irish Sea would be enhanced by breaking the connection between Westminster and Northern Ireland altogether.”
The former argument is a fine example of the self-serving attitude of mainstream British to Ulster Unionism. NI is regularly excluded. However, when Unionism may have some influence they are offered lectures on Britishness to toe the mainstream’s chosen line. It also overlooks that the British public is keen on the measure.
The latter argument is a bogeyman. The breaking of the connection is in the hands of the Northern Ireland electorate.
The greater dilemma for the DUP is the larger calculations of UK politics. A hung parliament would be the best scenario for the 4th largest UK party. However, the strength of the Tory gains and despair of the Labour Party makes the possibility of a Conservative majority seem more likely. Is there more to be gained in deals with Labour in this parliamentary term or the possibility of more in future if they speed Labour's downfall? Nigel Dodds mentions upcoming discussions with Labour and Conservatives that will make that question easier to answer for the DUP.
