John McCallister quits the UUP

ziggysego · February 14, 2013, 10:50:03 PM

John McCallister has just announced on the BBC's The View that he has quit the UUP, with immediate effect, over the decision of a choice unionist candidate in Mid-Ulster. Looks like Basic McCrea could be going soon too.

Mike Nesbitt has finally driven the final nail in the UUP coffin.

Maguire01 · February 14, 2013, 10:50:49 PM

Well done John - not before time.

ziggysego · February 14, 2013, 10:51:55 PM

Up on the BBC website now.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-21468573

Orior · February 14, 2013, 11:11:42 PM

Does this may the brit/prod/loyalist candidate for mid-ulster the favourite?

glens abu · February 14, 2013, 11:17:55 PM

Quote from: Orior on February 14, 2013, 11:11:42 PM
Does this may the brit/prod/loyalist candidate for mid-ulster the favourite?

No chance Francie will win it handy

All of a Sludden · February 14, 2013, 11:21:39 PM

Quote from: glens abu on February 14, 2013, 11:17:55 PM
Quote from: Orior on February 14, 2013, 11:11:42 PM
Does this may the brit/prod/loyalist candidate for mid-ulster the favourite?

No chance Francie will win it handy

Anyone have the results of the last mid Ulster election handy?

It certainly makes it a lot more interesting.

theskull1 · February 14, 2013, 11:24:57 PM

Nesbitt really comes across as a complete waste of space. You would almost think he was an m15 plant to ensure unionist rabble rousers (DUP) stay in power to maintain stability.

glens abu · February 14, 2013, 11:26:43 PM

Sinn Fein had 41% of vote

glens abu · February 14, 2013, 11:28:34 PM

Quote from:
glens abu link=topic=22763.msg1200840#msg1200840 date=1360884403
Sinn Fein had 41% of vote

Sorry 49%

Dougal Maguire · February 14, 2013, 11:29:48 PM

I think SF got over 50% of the vote Combined Unionist vote was round about 30% however voter apathy would have had an impact on unionist turnout. Seems SF will still win handy which brings into question Iron Mikes reasoning. I assume he's looking for a wider pact to cover more constituencies next time round

T Fearon · February 15, 2013, 12:13:21 AM

No chance of DUP backing out of any constituencies they hold.Agreed Unionist candidates are neither DUP or UUP candidates,so in this case there is nothing for either Unionist party to lose.

give her dixie · February 15, 2013, 02:58:22 AM

Vote early, vote often, and vote for Fancy Molloy........

Arthur_Friend · February 15, 2013, 07:29:29 AM

This will just make more SDLP voters give SF their vote.

AQMP · February 15, 2013, 08:54:36 AM

Quote from: Arthur_Friend on February 15, 2013, 07:29:29 AM
This will just make more SDLP voters give SF their vote.

This is indeed what happened in Fermanagh/Sth Tyrone when Rodney Connor stood as an agreed candidate.

AQMP · February 15, 2013, 08:59:08 AM

Quote from: All of a Sludden on February 14, 2013, 11:21:39 PM
Quote from: glens abu on February 14, 2013, 11:17:55 PM
Quote from: Orior on February 14, 2013, 11:11:42 PM
Does this may the brit/prod/loyalist candidate for mid-ulster the favourite?

No chance Francie will win it handy

Anyone have the results of the last mid Ulster election handy?

It certainly makes it a lot more interesting.

2010 General Election in Mid-Ulster

Sinn Féin Martin McGuinness 21,239 52.0%
Democratic Unionist Ian McCrea 5,876 14.4%
SDLP Tony Quinn 5,826 14.3%
Conservatives and Unionists Sandra Overend 4,509 11.0%
Traditional Unionist Voice Walter Millar 2,995 7.3%
Alliance Ian Butler 397 1.0%

Majority 15,363 37.6%
Turnout 40,842 63.2%
Sinn Féin hold Swing +5.8%