As we approach the end of the Robinson era, the runner (s) and riders are now coming to the fore. But before we talk about the candidate, just who can vote in the DUP leadership contest?
The DUP electorate is;
38 MLAs.
8 MPs.
1 MEP
46 in total; remember Gregory Campbell is both an MLA and MP.
As of tonight we have officially nominated as a candidate, Finance Minister, Arlene Foster.
(1) Tonight I received a valid nomination from the Finance Minister, Mrs Arlene Foster, for the DUP Leader’s post.
— Peter Robinson (@DUPleader) December 7, 2015
(2) Arlene’s nomination was submitted with the support of over 75% of those entitled to vote in the electoral college.
— Peter Robinson (@DUPleader) December 7, 2015
That means of the 46 voters, Arlene has roughly 34 of them in her pocket, which should scare off Sammy Wilson should he want to challenge.
It looks like the DUP will be selecting their first female leader, giving Northern Ireland its first female First Minister and the first to reside West of the Bann.
David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
