Ulster Unionists could hold the key
DAVID Cameron could form a ‘right wing’ alliance with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party that would allow him to govern without the Liberal Democrats.
If, as early exit polls suggest, the Tories finish with 316 seats, they would only need another seven seats for a workable majority.
That would allow the Prime Minister to ditch the Lib Dems, and instead do a deal with the DUP who are expected to win nine seats in the province.
However, last night DUP MP Sammy Wilson warned there would be ‘a price to pay’ for the party’s support. Earlier this year DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr said the party wanted £1billion more in funding for the province in return for any deal.
If the unionists do not get Mr Cameron over the line, he could do a deal with Ukip if it secures several seats.
The DUP has said it will not join a formal coalition but instead it would accept a looser ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement. Under such a deal, the party would back key Tory legislation including the Queen’s Speech and the Budget and any confidence votes.
The party has indicated it would try to influence domestic policy in areas such as border control and defence, and call for higher spending on both areas. It has also said it wants powers to cut VAT on tourism to help it compete with the Irish Republic.
Like the Tories, the DUP wants a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU. It also wants realterms increases in health and education and the abolition of the ‘bedroom tax’.
The Tories have made significant efforts to woo the DUP. Last year, David Cameron hosted a lavish reception in the Downing Street garden for DUP MPs.
The DUP leader in Westminster, Nigel Dodds, has insisted he could ‘do business’ with either Mr Cameron or Labour. A deal with Ukip would please right-wing Tories but Downing Street might be wary of joining forces with Nigel Farage’s party.