PETER ROBINSON, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, has said he would like more Catholics to join the Democratic Unionist Party.
He said there were many Catholics who felt more comfortable with the social and economic policies of the DUP than those of Sinn Féin or the SDLP.
Mr Robinson delivered the inaugural Edward Carson Lecture at Iveagh House, Dublin, last night.
It is part of a series of lectures organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs to commemorate the centenary of a decade of momentous events in Irish history, including the signing of the Ulster Covenant in 1912.
He said those who belonged to his tradition in Northern Ireland were living through an era of “peacetime unionism”.
The new dispensation would allow accommodations not envisaged in the past. That included more Catholics joining his party.
“That is not to say that they will feel comfortable calling themselves British or even defining themselves as unionists, but they see their best future as part of Northern Ireland, within its present constitutional context as part of the United Kingdom.
“They might be classed as ‘no change’ advocates. But is it possible that we are seeing the birth of a new brand of Irish unionism? A brand which is culturally Irish but unionist to the extent that they support the status quo of remaining within the United Kingdom.”
He wanted to see a broad and inclusive unionism in future that could embrace those not traditionally associated with its philosophy.
Mr Robinson also referred to the relationship he had with the Irish Government, one which he valued. “Although we will not always agree, I know we can work together to the benefit of our people. If I have learned anything over the last 40 years it is that we will not have peace, progress and prosperity unless we can all benefit from it.”
In the course of an hour-long speech, Mr Robinson referred to the benign environment that now prevailed. “The success of the peace process in the last five years has created new opportunities . . . I embrace that freedom. I have confidence in the attraction of my unionist vision of the future.”
The opening speech was given by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, who said it was difficult to imagine 20 years ago that such an event could happen.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and the North’s Deputy First Minster, Martin McGuinness, also attended, as did many members of the Northern Executive and Assembly.
