DUP PLEDGES TO BACK TORIES IN UK GOVERNMENT
Unionists agree on a deal to help May
THE Democratic Unionist Party last night looked set to back Theresa May’s minority Tory Government following her UK general election disaster.
A statement from Downing Street said an outline agreement on a “confidence and supply” arrangement had been reached.
The deal – hammered out between senior DUP figures and UK chief whip Gavin Williamson – is due to go before the Cabinet for discussion tomorrow.
Mrs May had made it clear she was seeking support from her “friends and allies” in Northern Ireland after failing to secure a majority.
The DUP won a record 10 seats in the election and these MPS could prove crucial in supporting the Conservative Party on key votes.
A Number 10 spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Democratic Unionist Party have agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support the Conservative Government on a confidence and supply basis when Parliament returns next week.
“We welcome this commitment, which can provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein say they will seek a meeting with Taoiseach-elect Leo Varadkar on Brexit.
Deputy Pearse Doherty yesterday spoke about Brexit, the economy and the impact on border regions at the Sean Mac Diarmada Summer School in Kiltyclogher, Co Leitrim.
He said his party will seek a meeting with Mr Varadkar to remind him of his election
VOW Pearse Doherty vow to argue for the North to remain within the customs union. He said: “Our party has been to the fore in putting together a coherent, sensible and practical set of solutions which we believe can best protect the national interest. “This involves the case for the island of Ireland to be granted a number of special allowances and exemptions which can only be secured through working collaboratively with our European partners.” news@irishmirror.ie