THE DEMOCRATIC Unionist Party gathered for its conference in Armagh last night at which the new party leadership is expected to signal its intentions after 4½ months of political stalemate.
It is understood that addresses by Peter Robinson and his deputy leader Nigel Dodds will suggest that progress could be made on the series of issues dividing the DUP and Sinn Féin, which is paralysing Stormont.
The conference began following a series of announcements from the British army and Sinn Féin regarding tomorrow’s planned homecoming parade by the Royal Irish Regiment, which it is feared could spark the most intense street violence in Belfast for years.
However, DUP sources suggested last night that if serious disturbances could be avoided then the door was open to a fresh push for progress next week at Stormont.
Mr Robinson is expected to use his leader’s address to focus on the benefits of devolution over direct rule from Westminster, despite the protracted failure of the Executive to meet since June.
Sources suggested there was concern at the apparent growth in grassroots unionist disillusionment with devolution and with the failure of the powersharing Executive to tackle pressing political and bread-and-butter issues.
It was also suggested that the address by Mr Dodds, who is due to deliver his speech to the conference shortly before his party leader, could have particular significance. It is understood Mr Dodds is seen as more sceptical about working relations with Sinn Féin, particularly on the devolution of policing and justice powers, a key republican demand.
Delegates and Assembly members met for a conference dinner last night which was addressed by former leader, the Rev Ian Paisley.
Dr Paisley arrived late and delivered a largely religious-themed address. He is not expected to remain in Armagh today for the conference’s political debate and keynote speeches, and is instead expected to fulfil an engagement in Liverpool.
Calling on the party to work resolutely for its ideals, Dr Paisley quoted heavily from Scripture.
Referring to his party’s political objectives, he said: “To these we have signed up, so there can be no turning back. If at a certain time these cannot be achieved, we must not change, we may postpone, but never think of giving up.
“Principles are for maintaining, but the ways of attaining them are by debates and negotiations. Democracy rests on the foundation of debate.”
It is the first major meeting of the party since February 2006 and the first annual conference proper since 2004 when Jim Allister was unveiled as the party’s Euro elections candidate.
Mr Allister has since resigned in protest at the DUP decision to enter government with Sinn Féin.