The DUP annual conference is an amazing event. It's a mixture of right-wing
fundamentalism, anti-establishment opinion, old-fashioned values and the odd
risqué joke.
On Saturday, the Rev Ian Paisley, Jeffrey Donaldson, Peter Robinson, Arlene
Foster, Sammy Wilson, and co will entertain the faithful. The cast's
diversity is its greatest strength.
It'll be far more music-hall melodrama, than heavy political debate. I
don't recall a close vote, let alone a knife-edge one, at a DUP conference.
Motions are passed unanimously. There's none of the acrimony and agonising
of UUP gatherings.
Policy-making is left to the party executive. That's unsettling yet the
grassroots trust their leaders who have a record of transparency and keeping
their word. Wisely, they've not fallen into the practice of secret deals.
Pragmatism and principle are difficult to marry but so far the DUP is
pulling it off. It can no longer be dismissed as the dinosaurs'
dwelling-place.
Its recent policy documents are more constructive and sophisticated than
many thought possible. The party has a formidable female front bench. It's
not DUP representatives joining dubious Sandy Row protests.
A conference motion will strongly condemn racial attacks and welcome hate
crime legislation. Members of ethnic minorities have been invited to address
delegates.
Unless Sinn Féin obliterates the SDLP, Jim Allister will top the poll in
next month's election. It's significant that a top barrister, who is giving
up a hefty six-figure salary, has returned to the party.
It also shows the DUP is now acceptable in circles where once it had pariah
status. But let's hope the party doesn't become too respectable. Its earthy
irreverence was always refreshing even if you fundamentally disagreed with
its politics.
There were pot-shots at the great and good. And the DUP enjoyed a chuckle at
itself. One year, a set of King Billy tiles were on sale at the conference.
"Imagine doing your bathroom in those? It would give a whole new meaning to
the Relief of Derry!" quipped Ian Paisley jnr.
The two things guaranteed at DUP conferences are a good laugh and a good
feed. On Saturday, delegates will dine on the finest Ulster beef. This
presents problems for committed vegetarian, South Down MLA Jim Wells.
"I'm leader of the DUP's green wing. It's a lonely life. I'm chairman,
secretary and treasurer too," he says. Wells is normally served "what
everybody else gets minus the lump of meat". This year, he's placing a
request for a proper, vegetarian meal. A new tradition is being established
in the DUP.
