Boris, just like Blair, cannot be trusted

BORIS Johnson is a product of one of the most upper-class schools in the world: Eton. Yet, he has persuaded thousands from Labour’s heartlands to vote for his party.

He has voted to end teaching about homosexuality in schools and, as London mayor, marched in several Pride parades.

Like a slick evangelical preacher, he could fill the tent at a crusade.

He claims he is committed to tackling immigration, yet boatloads are arriving every day.

A man of many talents, he has been described as “the new Tony Blair, smiling, accessible and charming”.

I hasten to add that this is the same Boris Johnson who hoodwinked the DUP at their party conference; he even got a standing ovation and went on to betray them in his Brexit negotiations, yet they still cling to his coattails.

At any talks that now take place at Stormont on the future shape of Northern Ireland, Irish ministers are at the table.

Which side of the table is he on? More to the point, which side is the DUP on? One thing is for sure, somebody’s getting their eye wiped.

If you can survive in the multicultural melting pot of London for two terms, you have to be all things to all men.

Boris can trim his sails to any wind and swim in any current. He’s a natural survivor: a veritable man for all seasons.

The DUP know where his train is going, but they are on the horns of a dilemma. And they have to respond to the challenge.

Do they derail it and try to salvage something from the wreckage?

Or stall and give their people time to adjust and prepare for change?

Whatever they do, they have to play hardball in setting the agenda — and I’m not sure they’re up to it.

Bumbling Boris? Don’t you believe it.

This man is a consummate politician and a shrewd operator.

For those who want to mother him and give him a hug, be very careful: his embrace could turn out to be a sting.

And we don’t want to go to the cross with a kiss.

CLIVE MAXWELL Bleary, Co Armagh