"No backroom deals"
I'm just back from the Europa hotel where I was helping out on our coverage of the Ulster Unionist conference. Inevitably there was less of a buzz about the gathering than last year's event when David Cameron turned up as the special guest. But the turnout appeared high with many left standing at the back, and William Hague's speech went down well.
Sir Reg Empey used his speech to set out his stall on devolving policing and justice. He didn't offer any criticism of Gordon Brown's financial package, which Mr Cameron has already endorsed. Instead he concentrated his fire on the arrangements which look certain to give the job to the Alliance party and the subsequent "sunset clause". He challenged Peter Robinson to open talks on justice, pledging that there should be "no backroom deals".
It's uncertain if that means the UUP will let the transfer process move forwards, whilst sniping at the cross community arrangements, or could open talks lead to a further delay? Certainly Owen Paterson seems to want the transfer to proceed as soon as possible, although he clarified that he also wants the Stormont coalition parties to agree on the details.
Whilst William Hague turned up, the UUP's only MP Lady Sylvia Hermon again stayed away. Her absence, whilst not surprising, pointed to the unresolved questions about the future of the UUP-Tory Force. Sir Reg is confident they will make gains in next year's Westminster election, but it's not even guaranteed that they will be able to hold on to their one remaining seat in the Commons.
Michael McGimpsey kept all his options open when we asked if he would stand in South Belfast - his dillemma may be whether it's credible not just to say you will give up your MLA job if elected, but to fight the campaign whilst holding on to either an MLA or ministerial portfolio. That said, signs that the DUP might sanction more double jobbing than they previously indicated would lessen the pressure on the Health Minister on this score.
Mr McGimpsey quoted Nye Bevan when praising the NHS. When I pointed out that this was a very Labourite source of inspiration he pronounced himself happy with David Cameron's approach on health. Michael's brother Chris makes less of a secret of his left wing sympathies, and again fired a warning shot across Sir Reg's bows by putting his name to a letter claiming the UUP has handed over control of its new movement to the Conservatives.
Certainly there are enough tensions at constituency level to make the continuing saga of candidate selection extremely interesting.
Having returned for the conference, next week I'm away on my half term break proper. Martina Purdy and Gareth Gordon will take up the reins on "Inside Politics" and (unless Martina judges that events warrant a blog or two in the next few days) I shall be back here in just over a week's time.
I'm 
Comments