The DUP-Tory deal can be called many things. But please, less of this deafening hysteria about threats to peace, threats to the process, threats to the Good Friday Agreement, the end of the world as we know it?
Yes, London and Dublin have somewhat vaguely defined ‘honest broker’ roles, particularly during negotiation processes. So, the case for an independent talks chairman might be strengthened. Knock yourselves out.
But:
Are Sinn Fein going to permanently rule themselves out of entering an Irish government? Could an Irish government with Gerry and Co in it ever be impartial on the north?
Will Fianna Fail abandon whatever tentative plans they may have to contest elections north of the border? How they could they be an honest broker if they are challenging talks participants for votes?
What about all the peace process negotiations Tony Blair did when the SDLP were big time players? This is the same SDLP that is Labour’s sister party. Clear bias. Shame on you, Tone.
What about the failed attempts by Gordon Brown to strike a deal with the DUP in 2010, the last time there was a hung parliament? We all knew Labour were at it, Brown cosying up to Robbo like nobody’s business.
Was that a threat to peace and the Good Friday Agreement? Now the ghosts of Labour past – Jonathan Powell and, God help us, Shaun Woodward – are denouncing the Tories for doing the same thing.
And if the Tories aren’t ever allowed to say nice things about the union, must the Dublin Government stay equally shtum on Irish unity? Might make a border poll campaign a bit flat.
Besides, for those of you who simply hadn’t noticed, the Conservatives were not the first to seek DUP support for Government…
No it doesn't. Gordon Brown sought deals with DUP. There's lots of other reasons this deal won't work for May. https://t.co/BoG1Nrs7vM
— Caroline Flint (@CarolineFlint) June 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/NewtonEmerson/status/873700083761651712
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