Ulster Unionist leader rebuffs suggestion of merger with DUP

Scott McDowell: All of unionism should be exhausting every avenue in an attempt to find unity.

Jake O Donnghaile: The thing about unionists is a case of too many chiefs and not enough Indians. They all crave power and also they can’t get along.

Scott McDowell: I can’t disagree, Jake.

Jake O Donnghaile: Personally, I think the DUP causes the rift between them all. Why didn’t people listen to David Ervine? He was the only man to bring unionism together and show the unionist people what the DUP really are, but sadly he was taken too soon.

Scott McDowell: Sadly, Jake, David was gone before people realised how good he was.

Paddy Joe: Working-class unionists lost a true leader when he died. They have no one else like him. Betty Dunseath :They all should do what’s right for the country.

Gary Donaghy: It’s simply too late. That boat has sailed. The Union is a dying cause.

Risteard O Ceallaigh: Unionists think that they are moving forward. In fact, it’s an illusion. Society is moving forward; unionists are standing still. Soon to be out of date as the rest of the world moves on. Gary Donaghy: Unionists cannot change and that will be their downfall. The contempt in which the DUP hold nationalists is sustainable while they hold a majority. Saying no to everything is working for them now. It’s just a pity that the majority they have held for so long is down to a few thousand votes. In 15-20 years’ time, when the DUP say no, it will no longer matter.

Kevin Connolly: Figures projected for 2022-2023 say there will be a nationalist majority.

David McGinn: It will be the last, desperate attempt to extend this embarrassing mess of a union with Great Britain. But, unfortunately, we aren’t quite there yet. Still plenty of pantomime politics to go.

Matthew Soppitt: It simply brings all the unionist votes together. A fantastic idea to safeguard our Britishness forever.