DUP leader Gavin Robinson to call for closer unionist co-operation

The DUP leader will make a call for closer co-operation between unionist parties ahead of next May’s assembly and council elections.

In what is the most anticipated speech of his political life, Gavin Robinson will tell his party conference “we must not gift wrap seats to Sinn Féin and Alliance”.

The DUP believes that in constituencies like Lagan Valley and North Antrim the split unionist vote has handed seats to its opponents unnecessarily.

But such calls have fallen on deaf ears before and with the DUP apparently weakened there is no guarantee that won’t be the case again.

Robinson will say the DUP “will not be found wanting” when it comes to co-operation to maximise the pro-unionist vote.

He is expected to tell delegates: “I am committed to working constructively and engaging again with other unionist parties, as we have before, to secure the election of the largest possible number of pro-union candidates to the assembly and our councils.

“Working together, we are stronger. With serious intent, we can work closely to secure sensible outcomes.

“We can collectively encourage voters to give their preference votes to pro-union candidates and ensure that constituencies and electoral areas are not flooded with candidates from unionist parties.

“I am not asking anyone to give up what they believe.

“I am asking that, collectively, we do not gift wrap seats to Sinn Féin, the SDLP or Alliance that unionism could otherwise win.”