“In May last year TUV put it up to the other Unionist parties as to how Unionism should respond in the eventuality of Sinn Fein – a party dedicated to the destruction of Northern Ireland – emerging numerically as the largest party in the Assembly.
“We pointed out that while technically and legally there is no distinction between First Minister and deputy First Minister – it being a joint office where neither can act without the agreement of the other – the symbolism of a Sinn Fein First Minister is seen as important to many, even for those who support the absurd Stormont system. But, the possibility only exists because the DUP wanted that threat to try and duress people into voting DUP – hence the St Andrews change.
“The key point to remember in all of this is that, because it is a joint office, a Sinn Fein First Minister is only possible if they find a Unionist willing to act as deputy First Minister. The question the DUP and UUP must answer is a simple one – in the event of Sinn Fein emerging as the largest party will they nominate a stooge as deputy? If Unionists are united in agreeing that they will not then the possibility of a Sinn Fein First Minister does not arise.
TUV is very clear: there are no circumstances in which we would enthrone Sinn Fein as First Minister. We would not nominate a deputy and thereby block a Sinn Fein First Minister. But what will the DUP and UUP do? Voters are entitled to know. As things stand only a vote for TUV guarantees unalterable opposition to Sinn Fein supremacy.
“It is, however, worth remembering that today is the second anniversary of the election, courtesy of DUP votes, of a Sinn Fein Speaker of the Assembly.
“Shamefully the actions of the DUP ensured that Alex Maskey – who infamously referred to Northern Ireland as a “putrid little statelet” – would preside over Stormont in the centenary year of Northern Ireland.
“That action, and their failure to come clean on the First Minister issue, suggests that they are not the party to rally behind to “stop Sinn Fein””.