Jacob Rees -Mogg V Leo Varadkar

[T Fearon]

As the DUP says often,the only poll that matters is the ballot box.The reason Mike Nesbitt is no longer a Unionist leader is due to being out of touch with the electorate.The fact that he announces this out of office proves he knows this is a vote loser.

[ned]

There is a difference between Unionism and Protestant(ism). Lots of unionists vote for DUP due to their fear of a united Ireland, nothing else. They will find some of their policies hard to swallow but the nature of politics in the north is that one issue dominates over most. What percentage are against same sex marriage as well is difficult to define, I would have thought.

[seafoid]

As the DUP says often,the only poll that matters is the ballot box.The reason Mike Nesbitt is no longer a Unionist leader is due to being out of touch with the electorate.The fact that he announces this out of office proves he knows this is a vote loser.

the only poll thst matters is demographic

[T Fearon]

I confidently assert there is a clear majority in both communities in the North opposed to same sex marriage and I bet SF drop this red line as they know the DUP will never agree to it

[imtommygunn]

You confidently assert based on what?

I would say sf will end up dropping mind yu.

[HiMucker]

I see Jacob is now third favourite in the betting to become next British PM.What a turn around if Britain was to be led by a devout Catholic who opposes abominations like same sex marriage and abortion as opposed to a neo liberal gay atheist in charge of the Free State.

Such a scenario is bound to increase support for the Union among Northern Catholics.

Like too many of his ilk professing to be devout Catholics condemning abortion and redefining marriage as a badge showing the strength of their faith he shows little in terms of true Christianity.  A quick review of his voting record will show that this self professed devout Catholic has voted to extend austerity for the weakest in society and voted to reduce welfare payments to the disabled.  Obviously keen on the Catholic Church's stance on matters relating to sex and sexuality but not big on the Beatitudes and how each of us should treat others.

https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/24926/jacob_rees-mogg/north_east_somerset/votes#business

Very true.  The hand that gives is holier than the mouth that prays!

[Frank_The_Tank]

Well the DUP/UUP attract all unionist voters.Not one of their MLAs supports Gay Marriage.A referendum on gay marriage in the North would comfortably endorse the continued ban as the sizeable portion of devout catholics would combine with unionists on this issue.

Not one of the UUP members support gay marriage.  Andy Allen from UUP supports it.  The forner leader Mike Nesbitt also supports it and if it comes to a vote in the assembly Im sure others will support as well so the above statement is complete bullshit

[T Fearon]

It is not bullshit.Gay marriage is illegal in the North and will remain so,reflecting the wishes of a significant majority of the people including many SF and SDLP voters.

[imtommygunn]

What basis do you have for saying there is a significant majority? It will remain illegal yes. With the "democratic" unionist party at the helm a majority is neither here nor there which is why it will remain illegal.

[T Fearon]

But it undeniably represents the view on the subject of a majority of the electorate in both communities.

[Shamrock Shore]

Tony is like De Valera. All he has to do is look into his heart to know the wishes of the (Nothern) Irish people.

[Frank_The_Tank]

It is not bullshit.Gay marriage is illegal in the North and will remain so,reflecting the wishes of a significant majority of the people including many SF and SDLP voters.

Your post stated not one person from UUP/DUP dupported gay marriage.  I named two - nesbitt and and andy allen so yes your statement is bullshit.  UUP have also stated as a party its a choice of oersonal conscience as too how their members votes so you now know how every UUP MLA vote even though they may not know themselves?

[T Fearon]

Ok one,that is one,Unionist MLA,who needs votes from all and sundry in East Belfast,softens his opposition to Gay Marriage.Doesn't detract from the fact that a clear majority in both communities remains opposed to it and watch this week as it is erased from SF's Red Lines.

[GJL]

Ok one,that is one,Unionist MLA,who needs votes from all and sundry in East Belfast,softens his opposition to Gay Marriage.Doesn't detract from the fact that a clear majority in both communities remains opposed to it and watch this week as it is erased from SF's Red Lines.

Is Nesbitt not still an MLA?

[Frank_The_Tank]

Ok one,that is one,Unionist MLA,who needs votes from all and sundry in East Belfast,softens his opposition to Gay Marriage.Doesn't detract from the fact that a clear majority in both communities remains opposed to it and watch this week as it is erased from SF's Red Lines.

The clear majority in both communities remain opposed to it?  Where are you getting this from? In 2015 41 Nationalist MLAs voted for it before it was blocked by DUP Petition of concern - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-politics-34692546

It may be dropped from a SF red line but watch as it sails through the assembly if it ever gets up and running with a reformed Petition of concern