With a litany of issues plaguing all facets of Unionism and a pressing need for serious introspection, it is disheartening to see that the key priority for many Unionists—led by the controversial Loyalist Community Council (LCC)—appears to be opposing an Irish language nursery and primary school in East Belfast. In light of this narrow focus, it is little wonder that many are turning away from Unionism. My own journey as a Unionist has been exhausting and frustrating, witnessing a series of humiliations and yielding little in return, leaving me to question whether this movement is—or ever can be—fit for purpose.
In a previous article, I highlighted the growing sense of isolation that many Unionists in the west feel, largely due to their leaders focusing efforts on the eastern parts of Northern Ireland. This was particularly evident during the recent election, where most of the attention was directed towards areas like North Down, East Belfast, and Lagan Valley. Meanwhile, Fermanagh and South Tyrone (FST), a constituency seen as winnable and fielding a single Unionist candidate, was largely overlooked.
Doug Beattie, the then leader of the UUP, made only a brief appearance in Moygashel, and I am aware of several letters of complaint from constituents sent to UUP headquarters highlighting the lack of interest from the party’s hierarchy. From early on, it became clear that, despite FST being a contest between the UUP and Sinn Féin, Unionist infighting would be the dec.