ASSESS THE REASONS WHY THE DUP HAS SUCCEEDED IN REPLACING THE UUP AS THE MAIN UNIONIST PARTY AFTER 1998. Flashcards
(7 cards)
GFA
DUP took a hardline stance against the GFA
Didn’t want to engage with ‘Terrorists’
56% turnout with 6% voting against
UUP achieved ‘peace’ under the GFA lead by Trimble, left them needing a new goal
CONSISTENT POLICIES
DUP consistent on the Union, social and equality issues
Disagreed with Justice being devolved as they didn’t want SF to gain. Only agreed to this under Hillsborough where it would be given to a neutral MLA.
FAILURES OF THE UUP
The UUP were seen to have achieved their aims following the GFA, left with no objective
Failed to gain youth vote (Young unionists in 2004)
Leader turnover - 8 leaders since GFA
Mike Nesbitt x2, Robin Swann, Doug Beattie, Steve Aiken, Reg Empey, Tom Elliot, David Trimble since 2005.
People fail to know where the UUP stand on issues like Abortion and Equal Marriage
CHRISTIAN AND CULTURAL STANDING
DUP policies based on Christian teachings
EXAMPLES - Opposed to same sex marriage, abortion and Euthanasia
Legislation for Abortion and marriage equality Bills were opposed in 2022 and 2015.
DUP attempted to create a bill in 2021 to prevent Abortions in NI in
cases of non-fatal disabilities 2024 Manifesto ‘Unashamedly Pro-Life’
DUP appeals to hard line Unionist and Loyalist voters unlike the UUP who are seen as too centre
EXAMPLES - Anti-Irish Language - DUP block cross-border funding for schemes supporting Irish Language March 2025.
EXAMPLE - DUP public support of Union Flag on City Hall.
- support of ‘civil liberties’
HOWEVER - Both the DUP and UUP want to remove the Parades Com
STRONG EARLY LEADERSHIP
-DUP have only had 6 leaders since the GFA (Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson, Arlene Foster, Edwin Poots, Jeffrey Donaldson and Gavin Robinson)
‘Chuckle Brothers’
- Ian paisley adn Martin McGuiness - Showed cooperation and willingness to power share
- Strong policy stance through leadership - willing to collapse Stormont of NI Protocol in 2022
