Speaking to North Antrim TUV on Thursday evening, the Party Leader, Jim Allister, said:-
“The rising tide of support for TUV comes primarily from our clarity, from the beginning, over the constitutional dangers of the Union-dismantling Protocol – when others were foolishly talking about its “opportunities”, TUV was the vanguard of Unionist opposition.
“Likewise our distinct and unwavering stand against Sinn Fein rule and the Stormont Shambles has greatly strengthened TUV’s support.
“TUV doesn’t have to run to catch up on any of these issues. We have set the pace. People can see TUV is the Real Deal and that principle, not expediency fuels our politics.
“We therefore look forward to the Assembly election when we will offer every voter in Northern Ireland the opportunity to vote TUV No.1, while urging transfers throughout the wider unionist, anti-Protocol family. Thereby the Unionist vote can be maximised.
“Some who have partnered Sinn Fein in government for years, now raise fears of a Sinn Fein First Minister. But, there is a simple solution that neutralises any such threat. Sinn Fein can only ever be First Minster if they find some stooge unionist party to act as deputy First Minister. So, the challenge to all unionist parties is to declare will they be Sinn Féin’s little helpers, or, like TUV, will they pledge not to nominate a deputy First Minsiter, if that situation arose?
“The answer lies in Unionism own hands. Let’s have clarity, not equivocation, from all unionist parties on this issue. Any party genuinely determined to thwart a Sinn Fein First Minister should have no difficulty in giving a straightforward answer. If their concern is only electoral posturing, then, they will equivocate and then meekly become Sinn Féin’s bridesmaid!
“If Unionist voters want clarity and strength then TUV offers both.”