Doug Beattie

I simply will not allow Northern Ireland to become, or be viewed, as a failed part of the United Kingdom

Soapbox on September 10, 2023, 10:30 am

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Doug Beattie is the Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party As we move into the second week of September and Westminster have a week under their belt, following recess, the problems facing Northern Ireland mount. Education is facing major problems, our health and social care lurches from crisis to crisis and the Police Service of Northern Ireland is in turmoil. Politicians must take their fair share of responsibility for the mess we find ourselves in. In just one month the …

Slugger TV talks with Doug Beatte

David McCann on July 14, 2023, 3:27 pm

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Slugger TV 14th July 2023 from Northern Visions NvTv on Vimeo UUP Leader, Doug Beattie chats with me about pacts, unionism and the future of the UUP. David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs

Is the UUP really in its end-of-life phase or is there a way back for it from the political doldrums?

Choyaa on February 23, 2023, 7:11 pm

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The UUP for many years now has been drifting well below the radar, only periodically appearing within scope, usually as the result of a self-inflicted misadventure. Last week was another such example, the Belfast Telegraph ran a story citing how the UUP was on a “life support machine, waiting to be turned off”, such criticism of the UUP is nothing new but this time it came from a party member via a leaked document. Is the UUP really in its …

Making the UUP relevant again…

Frank Schnittger on August 13, 2022, 9:00 am

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please wait here until you are useful thank you signage on multicolored wall

On the 13th. of October 2021, the European Commission issued proposals to resolve the impasse around the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol following discussions with political leaders, businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders in Northern Ireland. The proposals seek to differentiate between goods intended to stay in Northern Ireland and those going on to the Republic of Ireland or the EU by providing an “express lane” with an 80% reduction in official checks and vastly simplified procedures for phytosanitary certification. …

Doug Beattie – The only path for unionism is for it to come in from the cold…

Soapbox on August 8, 2022, 7:09 am

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Ulster Unionist Party leader, Doug Beattie MC MLA The stark reality about politics here in Northern Ireland was exposed by Michelle O’Neill`s comments last week that attempted to justify the IRA`s indefensible terrorist campaign. This is a slap in the face for victims, survivors and those who lived through those dark years. Selective condemnation and glorification of past atrocities really does stop Northern Ireland, and its people, from moving forward. In fact it fortifies the division that has blighted this …

In Response to Jamie Bryson: What a Union of People Means…

Michael Palmer on March 22, 2022, 8:10 am

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I read Jamie Bryson’s article entitled: ‘The UUP’s Union of the People argument is loose ground upon which nothing permanent can be built’, published on Slugger O’Toole on 21 March 2022. Jamie and I hold different views on various political issues, though I cannot help but notice we do share some similarities, being that we are both unionists from Ards and North Down around the same age with probably a similar experience of growing up within our predominantly unionist borough. …

Jeffrey Donaldson was approached with an offer to rejoin the UUP…

Brian O'Neill on February 24, 2022, 10:33 am

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The Nolan Show has discovered that after losing the DUP leadership election to Edwin Poots Jeffrey Donaldson was approached by Doug Beattie to rejoin the UUP. On @BBCNolan today – More on the story #NolanLIVE broke last night when we revealed Sir Jeffrey Donaldson engaged in talks with the UUP, when he was asked by Doug Beattie to join the party 📻 @bbcradioulster 🎧 @BBCSounds 📞 03030805555 | 📲 81771 pic.twitter.com/izVJcCG42w — Stephen Nolan (@StephenNolan) February 24, 2022 Jeffrey does …

Dr John Kyle joins the UUP…

Brian O'Neill on February 10, 2022, 3:16 pm

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A bit of good news for Doug Beattie this week. John Kyle, the nicest man in politics has joined the UUP. With the DUP being all over the show could there be a resurgence of support for the former lead party of Unionism? John also has the benefit of being a good media performer and he is transfer-friendly. Just the prescription/tonic the UUP need. Feel free to insert your own medical puns… 🚨BREAKING🚨 We are delighted to welcome Cllr John …

Choyaa: The UUP – Is the Former Empire Striking Back?

Choyaa on October 12, 2021, 10:40 am

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The Centenary of Northern Ireland has presented political Unionism with some of its most significant challenges, from dealing with a declining base, the Northern Ireland Protocol, an unenthused electorate, and greater political isolation than ever before, adding to this are the huge internal problems within both the DUP and UUP. This has all made the centenary year memorable if for all the wrong reasons. The UUP, in recent months, have been going through a transformation and following their party conference …

Ian Marshall joins the UUP…

Brian O'Neill on July 30, 2021, 7:58 am

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At the time of the last UUP leadership election, I said the best person for the job was Ian Marshall. There were just two minor issues, he was not a politician or even a member of the UUP. That situation has since been rectified, at least the UUP member part. Delighted to join Doug and the UUP. Time for a union of people, embracing inclusivity, diversity and building relationships across an island and between two islands. Thanks to @SuzyJourno & …

SOAPBOX: As things go from bad to worse, the DUP can’t avoid the ripples of the ‘Beattie Bounce’

Soapbox on June 7, 2021, 2:41 pm

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Dr. Clare Rice is a postdoctoral researcher at Newcastle University: a specialist in power-sharing and Northern Ireland’s politics. She tweets as @Clare_Rice_. All views expressed are the author’s own. The word ‘honeymoon’ evokes sentiments of a relaxing, happy and easy-going time. The big event is over, and in the bubble of positivity that follows, the focus shifts to the future. For Edwin Poots, this phase has been as good as non-existent since he became the new DUP Leader. The unceremonious …

Fragmented Unionism and Broad Churches…

Choyaa on May 29, 2021, 10:10 am

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It has long been the formula within political Unionism that if a Unionist party is both united and able to accommodate a broad church of Unionist opinion then it will be the dominant Unionist party. In many ways this formula has never been attained within political Unionism, however, in recent times it’s becoming more difficult to find a party that can solve this formula, and never has this been more apparent than now. However, is the formula relevant in 2021 …

Robbie Butler rules himself out of UUP leadership ‘at this stage’

Alan Meban (Alan in Belfast) on May 12, 2021, 9:24 pm

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Robbie Butler has ruled himself out of the race to be UUP leader in a statement issued this evening. Having listened to Doug speak on the media this week and spent some time with him personally, I believe we have a candidate who possesses the skills and attributes that are currently needed and it will be my pleasure to play any supporting role in the UUP Assembly team to make Northern Ireland a place we “ALL” want to live, work …

Doug Beattie declares his bid for UUP Leader

David McCann on May 10, 2021, 7:21 pm

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The Upper Bann MLA, Doug Beattie has announced his bid to become the next leader of the UUP. UUP MLA @BeattieDoug has confirmed he will run as as a candidate to succeed outgoing party leader Steve Aiken pic.twitter.com/HzbCYQfl0M — Rebecca Black (@RBlackPA) May 10, 2021 “Doug Beattie MC MLA, UUP” by niassembly is licensed under CC BY-ND David McCannDavid McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs

Battle for the Soul of Unionism

Andrew Gallagher on May 9, 2021, 6:56 pm

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At Féile an Phobail’s Leader’s debate back in August 2019, I was fascinated to witness a microcosmic battle – perhaps skirmish – for the soul of Unionism take place (starting at 1h05): Doug Beattie got quite animated after listening to Gregory Campbell’s defence of his own Britishness, one which came across as unnecessarily binary and reductive. Campbell’s comments earned several objections, but it is Beattie’s that is worth quoting in full: Let me be clear here. I’m an Irishman and …

Has the UUP Past the Point of Rescue?

Choyaa on May 9, 2021, 8:32 am

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With the DUP being in a highly distressed state, this should be an opportune time for the UUP to step up and assume the leadership of Unionism. However, the UUP at present is not fit for purpose and few are considering them as a viable option at the forthcoming election. Rather than being contenders to the throne, the UUP is in reality simply fighting for its political survival. Some UUP members have contacted me to query why I never discuss …

Seamus Mallon: “be good ancestors as opposed to being good rememberers” #JHISS

Alan Meban (Alan in Belfast) on July 25, 2017, 10:12 am

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SEAMUS MALLON called for people to “be good ancestors as opposed to being good rememberers” in order to move forward. He was speaking on a political panel on the opening day of the John Hewitt International Summer School along with Naomi Long, Steven Agnew and Doug Beattie, chaired by Peter Osborne.