Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Tuesday 16°CWednesday 19°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
NewsPolitics

Unionist voters ‘stumbling into DUP trap over Brexit united Ireland fears’

written by John November 17, 2019
ShareTweet

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood out on the election trail in Derry

UNIONIST voters are stumbling into a DUP trap linking Brexit proposals to a united Ireland, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said.

The Foyle MLA has urged people to opt for candidates opposed to withdrawal from the EU during next month’s General Election.

The DUP believe British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s proposed deal would create a regulatory border between the North of Ireland and the rest of the UK due to its mechanisms to protect all-Ireland trade.

Mr Eastwood told the Press Association: “It is unfortunate that people have followed them into that trap.

“They have done untold damage to the image of unionism right across the world and I think that is unfortunate.

“People should begin to understand that if you keep voting the way you have always voted you are going to get the same result.”

The SDLP has stood aside candidates in three constituencies – North Belfast, East Belfast and North Down – to give pro-Remain candidates the best chance of triumphing.

Their critics have accused them of sectarianism since their targets in each case are DUP candidates.

The number of votes the SDLP command in East Belfast and North Down is small.

Mr Eastwood said: “The calculation is simple, we want to take as many Brexiteers out of the UK Parliament as possible.”

The DUP’s deputy leader Nigel Dodds is defending his seat in North Belfast.

The SDLP stood aside for Mr Dodds’ Sinn Fein opponent, John Finucane, the son of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane.

Mr Eastwood admitted it was uncomfortable for his party not to be standing in any constituency, particularly given its criticism of Sinn Fein for not taking their seats, but said the SDLP had no prospect of winning North Belfast.

“In North Belfast it is an empty seat or Nigel Dodds – I prefer an empty seat.

“Nigel Dodds has been the architect of a bad Brexit and people understand that.”

The DUP has vetoed Theresa May and Boris Johnson’s proposed withdrawal deals.

Mr Eastwood said nobody could substantiate claims his party’s decision to step aside in key constituencies was sectarian.

He also countered unionist fears raised about the constitutional future but said the DUP’s support for Brexit made a united Ireland more likely.

The SDLP leader said: “The border won’t move one inch because of it.”

Abortion was recently legalised in Northern Ireland after MPs legislated for the move.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood out on the election trail with party colleagues in Derry

It is an issue which has split nationalists and unionists.

Mr Eastwood said he did not support locking people up for having a termination but said the Stormont Assembly was the best place to deal with the issue.

“People have been lied to and people have used the issue for their own political purposes.

“Change is coming because of High Court cases.

“We can shape the change or let others shape it for us.”

Unionist voters ‘stumbling into DUP trap over Brexit united Ireland fears’ was last modified: November 17th, 2019 by John

Tags:
borderBREXITcolum eastwoodDerry CitydupFOYLE CONSTITUENCYFOYLE MLASDLP LEADERUnionist voters ‘stumbling into DUP trap over Brexit united Ireland fears’
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Feile 2025 unveil biggest programme of events

5 hours ago

Loughs Agency delivers extensive fisheries improvement works...

6 hours ago

Alcohol Forum Ireland seeks Finance Administrator/Bookkeeper for...

1 day ago

Motorcyclist seriously injured in Donegal collision

1 day ago

Council officially adopts Local Development Plan, LDP...

1 day ago

Second arrest made over 120 cannabis plant...

3 days ago

Charles Dooher murder bid: Man arrested in...

3 days ago

The LYCRA Company staff excited to continue...

3 days ago

Man arrested in Derry over murder bid...

4 days ago

Man to face Derry court over cannabis...

5 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Woman charged over serious assault in Derry

    July 13, 2025
  • Man to face Derry court over cannabis plants seizure

    July 11, 2025
  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy