TUV Leader Denounces Stormont as 'Dysfunctionalism on Stilts'
The leader of Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), Jim Allister, is set to describe Stormont's devolved government as "dysfunctionalism on stilts" during his address at the party conference.
He will also reiterate the party's longstanding concerns regarding the consequences of post-Brexit trade barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Allister is expected to warn that Northern Ireland risks being "sleepwalked out of the United Kingdom" if the Irish Sea border remains in place, in remarks planned for his speech on Saturday.
The conference, taking place in Cookstown, County Tyrone, will feature several speakers, including Reform UK MP Danny Kruger.
Background on Northern Ireland Protocol and Trade Arrangements
Following Brexit, Northern Ireland has continued to adhere to numerous European Union trade and customs regulations to prevent a hard land border with the Republic of Ireland.
These arrangements were established through agreements between the UK and EU, notably the Northern Ireland Protocol and the subsequent Windsor Framework.
However, unionist parties have expressed concerns that these rules, which require additional trade checks and paperwork for goods arriving from Great Britain, undermine Northern Ireland's status within the UK.
Stormont's power-sharing executive had been suspended due to a boycott by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in protest against these arrangements, but the DUP ended their boycott in 2024 following a deal with the UK government.
Allister's Conference Speech Highlights
In his speech, Allister is anticipated to assert:
"There should be no executive as long as the protocol exists."
He will further state:
"Leave the protocol and the dopes in Stormont in place and we will be sleepwalked out of the United Kingdom."
Allister will also reference former US President Donald Trump, commenting:
"Even President Trump can see it as he jokes about a merger."
He will criticize the 2024 deal between the DUP and the UK government as a "dud" that has effectively "cemented the protocol."
Criticism of DUP and Stormont Institutions
The TUV leader will describe the Stormont institutions as embodying "dysfunctionalism on stilts," arguing that they consist of a "legislative assembly that doesn't legislate - apart from their own salary rise."
Allister will also criticize the DUP for sharing power with Sinn Féin as part of Northern Ireland's four-party executive.
He is expected to say:
"The choice is not Stormont or soon to be gone Starmer, but enabling Sinn Féin or dumping Sinn Féin - pandering to Sinn Féin or facing down Sinn Féin."
Call for Unionist Unity
Regarding cooperation among unionist parties, Allister will emphasize the need for unity in opposing the "iniquitous protocol."
He will state:
"Unionism should be united in opposition to the iniquitous protocol."
"It is not those of us who have stood firm who need to return to the ground of unity, but those who stepped away."
TUV Representation and Political Developments
The TUV currently holds one Member of Parliament and one assembly member at Stormont, along with elected representatives at the local council level in Northern Ireland.
Jim Allister was elected MP for North Antrim in the 2024 general election, unseating the DUP's Ian Paisley.
Earlier in 2024, the TUV formalized a "partnership" with Reform UK for the general election.
