European Results and the future

There are many headlines in this European Election. Sinn Fein has topped the poll has to be the most painful for the DUP who previously topped the poll in every election since 1979. In previous elections the DUP transfers would have carried Jim Nicholson into Europe but now he is second place and announcing a comeback for the UUP.

The most interesting comment that I have come across so far comes from DUP leader Peter Robinson he said: "I'm not one who regularly blogs but I did read one comment which I thought was pertinent where it said Sinn Fein have an awful lot to learn from the DUP in terms of governance but the DUP have an awful lot to learn from Sinn Fein in terms of communicating with their base."

The DUP were beaten into third place for several reasons

- Public unhappiness over the expenses scandal
- A loud and effective Jim Allister (66,000 votes)
- A candidate who performed badly in public and didnt energise the DUP base to come out and vote
- An outdated campaign focusing on 'Smashing Sinn Fein' rather than giving constituents positive messages about the benefits of Europe.

The results will have an impact on the future of the Assembly. The 66,000 votes for Jim Allister whilst some are a protest against DUP will probably be sufficient for him to get 4 or 5 seats at the next Assembly election.

The DUP may go on a harder attack on Sinn Fein in future policies and debates to show their core electorate that they are 'still in charge of unionism'. This may have an impact on the devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.

The DUP reshuffle which is expected over the coming weeks will be an opprtunity for the leadership to bring in some young talent such as Simon Hamilton and return Edwin Poots to the Executive table. It will also start to shift the focus from their worst showing in 30 years.