Politics is war by other means but politics can also be educational. More than 30 years ago I canvassed various parts of Belfast and was shocked on hearing constituents express virulent anti-Paisley views.
In those days I was regrettably influenced by the histrionics of Paisley although I was a member of the UUP. It was from Paisley that I acquired my then restricted political outlook. It took time, reflection and not a little courage, to move to a more constructive position.
I spoke with Catholic and Protestant UUP members who were equally aghast at Paisley's antics. This and many other experiences led me to question things that until then I had taken for granted.
I came to see that right-wing politicians were leading their people into a cul-de-sac.
Many years later I canvassed for Ivan Davis in Lagan Valley. Ivan is a man of the people and well liked at the grass roots. However, I could see the writing on the wall when systematic attempts were made by the right wing to take over branches in his constituency. I warned that this was happening but it seemed impossible to stop the rot emanating from a bitterly reactionary agenda. Viciously anti-agreement people came to dominate my own branch and many good people disappeared. Perhaps I was subjected to more incivility than most because I would not budge from my strongly pro-agreement position.
I had long ago come to the view that making an accommodation between unionists and nationalists was the only way to create better politics and end violence on the streets. I believe the Rubicon was crossed in 1998.
Although we are not out of the woods yet we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. It would be unfortunate if we failed at the last hurdle because this could indicate that we are incapable of bridging the gap and governing ourselves like mature adults in the devolved assembly.
Recent experience canvassing in South Belfast suggests that most people are pleased to see Ulster Unionists on the doorstep. A significant number offer unqualified support particularly because of good constituency work, a few are confused because rebel UUP MPs seem determined to finish Paisley's job by making the Unionist Party ungovernable, others are courteous but non-committal and likely to offer first preferences to the SDLP and possibly second, third or fourth to the UUP. A small number seem totally disillusioned with politics while one or two loudly proclaim support for the DUP. Others say they haven't made up their minds but will definitely not vote DUP.
I saw David Trimble being welcomed during a walkabout at Forestide Shopping Centre but I missed Paisley's misnamed Battlebus and its brief appearance in Sandy Row. It seems that he desperately wanted to avoid any battles in Sandy Row and only made a short walk before retreating.
Locals were seen getting offside to avoid direct contact with the bussed-in and bussed out DUP. The bus brigade then managed a few photo opportunities with strangers before disappearing in their Paisleymobile to better climes.
Had they ventured further into the loyalist enclave they might have faced public rejection so they wisely fled.
When the Paisleymobile travelled to UUP headquarters Paisley was expecting an easy ride and did not expect to see David Trimble ready to greet him. But Trimble could not miss an opportunity to confront the new and strangely modest and retiring DUP leader.
Paisley's underlings tried to protect him from exposure but a stunt that was meant to humiliate Trimble and depict Paisley as a brave knight in shining armour had precisely the opposite effect.
In the ensuing noise, designed to drown Trimble's challenge, Paisley was reduced to silence and retreat from Trimble's gaze lest he exposed his own lack of acumen.
This election could prove to be Paisley's and Donaldson's last stand if they don't seriously damage the UUP leadership.
Some people see the struggle within unionism as petty fratricidal strife and dismiss it accordingly but this is only part of the story. Unionists are engaged in a struggle to end divisive politics and the self-defeating effects of sectarianism. Rednecks in contrast, are engaged in a desperate rear guard action to turn the clock back through a blitzkrieg on the long road to peace. Even if Paisley's god gave him victory in this battle, which is unlikely, it would prove to be a pyrrhic victory.
Whatever happens in this election skirmish Paisley's war against progress will fail in the end.
