Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Doug’s man to Beattie
THE DUP is having its first leadership contest in its 50-year history.
Arlene Foster is to step down as party leader on May 28 and as First Minister at the end of June.
It follows a backbench revolt in which a majority of DUP MPS and MLAS signed a letter of no confidence in her leadership.
■ Who are the contenders?
It’s a head-to-head battle between Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots.
Separately, there are also three candidates in the race for deputy leader North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley, East Derry MP Gregory Campbell and North Antrim MLA Paul Frew.
■ What is their pitch for the leadership?
Sir Jeffrey’s campaign launch stressed the need for “positive” leadership and building a “shared future”.
Seen as the more moderate candidate, he will also seek to encourage party unity after the revolt against Mrs Foster.
Mr Poots wants to tackle dissatisfaction over the party’s backroom workings, saying he has a plan to “transform the DUP structures and functions”.
As part of the DUP’S religious Paisleyite wing, he would be considered the more hard-line choice.
■ What about Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol?
For both candidates, their biggest challenge will be how they address unionist concerns of inconsistent messaging in the DUP’S opposition to the Protocol.
This was seen as one of the key factors which led to Mrs Foster’s downfall. However, it is unclear what the candidates intend to do differently.
Mr Donaldson wants to develop a “clear policy direction” on the protocol while his rival wants to pursue legal action.
But the DUP, along with other unionist parties, is already part of a legal challenge against the protocol
■ Will there be public debates or interviews?
The News Letter reported a gagging order was issued saying party officers had decided “no candidate is to be fielded by the party for media appearances/ interview during the period of the leadership campaign”.
Other party reps can still speak to the press but have been advised not to comment on a preferred candidate.
■ Who is able to vote?
Only the DUP’S 28 MLAS and eight MPS. There had been uncertainty over whether South Down MLA Jim Wells would be eligible as he has lost the whip but he will have hi say.
■ When does the vote take place?
The voting station will open at DUP headquarters in east Belfast from noon until 4pm on Friday.
A third party will be responsible for running the polling station and the verification and counting of votes. The winners are expected to be announced at 5pm.
■ Could this change dynamics at Stormont?
The new DUP leader will have to decide who takes on the First Minister role.
Previously the DUP leader also held the top ministerial position.
However, Sir Jeffrey cannot be First Minister because it can only be occupied by an MLA.
And Mr Poots intends to give the First Minister role to someone else and retain his Agriculture Minister portfolio.
The next DUP leader could decide to reshuffle the party’s other ministerial posts.
A change of leader could also alter relationships with the DUP’S partners in government, Sinn Fein.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill has stressed the need for “mutual respect”
It’s still unclear what either man can do on the protocol