I do think the broad reaction (my own included) against either the DUP or Sinn Fein in government along with the shear difficulty (impossibility?) of such arrangements without likely blowing the NI power sharing arrangements up do show once again what a dire situation Northern Ireland really is. They have no ability to truly have a voice in the top level of government of their society and they are only getting more polarised it seems.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
Do Labour have any interest in achieving Brexit? They'll mouth platitudes in support but it's only Tory MPs that are stupid enough to still think it's a good idea.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
On-topic: what the Conservatives need is an Alexius Comnenus type, an arch-diplomat who knows when the push and when not to, and is adept at handling competing interests.
Someone flexible, with foresight and intelligence.
Unfortunately, Alexius Comnenus has been dead for almost a thousand years, and also isn't a Conservative MP.
Which historic battle did the election turn out to be?
The signs are not good. First of all a formal coalition with the DUP is crackers...as are the DUP.
Do Labour have any interest in achieving Brexit? They'll mouth platitudes in support but it's only Tory MPs that are stupid enough to still think it's a good idea.
Corbyn is supremely uninterested in Brexit. He makes no movement either for or against.
Starmer and Davis are unlikely to agree on much, neither will Thornberry or Gardiner.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
Do Labour have any interest in achieving Brexit? They'll mouth platitudes in support but it's only Tory MPs that are stupid enough to still think it's a good idea.
Hoey, Skinner, Field, maybe even Corbyn himself in secret all voted for Brexit
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
If it wasn't for the Titanic, a million analogies would be missing a killer comparison.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
Pat Jennings - one player liked by both Spurs and Arsenal fans.
On-topic: what the Conservatives need is an Alexius Comnenus type, an arch-diplomat who knows when the push and when not to, and is adept at handling competing interests.
Someone flexible, with foresight and intelligence.
Unfortunately, Alexius Comnenus has been dead for almost a thousand years, and also isn't a Conservative MP.
Which historic battle did the election turn out to be?
The signs are not good. First of all a formal coalition with the DUP is crackers...as are the DUP.
...and everyone thought the Irish issue was uniquely toxic to Corbyn?
I'd rather see Corbyn become PM than Sammy fucking Wilson and his ilk become cabinet ministers.
Get fucked Theresa, you're a fucking pox on our party and country.
Got more votes and a higher vote share than Cameron ever managed. And much of the surge to Labour was clearly being incubated in the Camborne years. Just ask Russell Brand. The 'modernisers' did nothing about housing and let the young bear the brunt of sending cuts whilst protecting the old. Corbyn's achievement was in encouraging them to vote.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
The Conservative and Unionist Party certainly will not do that, I oppose a coalition but if Sinn Fein used to work with the DUP so can the Tories
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
Pat Jennings - one player liked by both Spurs and Arsenal fans.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
I think the general view is that this is all about shoring up her position rather than acting in the interests of the country or the party. I do not think she will be able to sell this even if she reaches an agreement.
The Tories have been selling that, successfully, for decades.
On-topic: what the Conservatives need is an Alexius Comnenus type, an arch-diplomat who knows when the push and when not to, and is adept at handling competing interests.
Someone flexible, with foresight and intelligence.
Unfortunately, Alexius Comnenus has been dead for almost a thousand years, and also isn't a Conservative MP.
Which historic battle did the election turn out to be?
The signs are not good. First of all a formal coalition with the DUP is crackers...as are the DUP.
On-topic: what the Conservatives need is an Alexius Comnenus type, an arch-diplomat who knows when the push and when not to, and is adept at handling competing interests.
Someone flexible, with foresight and intelligence.
Unfortunately, Alexius Comnenus has been dead for almost a thousand years, and also isn't a Conservative MP.
Which historic battle did the election turn out to be?
The signs are not good. First of all a formal coalition with the DUP is crackers...as are the DUP.
...and everyone thought the Irish issue was uniquely toxic to Corbyn?
I'd rather see Corbyn become PM than Sammy fucking Wilson and his ilk become cabinet ministers.
Get fucked Theresa, you're a fucking pox on our party and country.
Got more votes and a higher vote share than Cameron ever managed. And much of the surge to Labour was clearly being incubated in the Camborne years. Just ask Russell Brand. The 'modernisers' did nothing about housing and let the young bear the brunt of sending cuts whilst protecting the old. Corbyn's achievement was in encouraging them to vote.
That is a good point.
Those people who shat all over the young and bribed the old claimed to be modernisers.
May is not going to change her spots. She has never been one to consult or listen on policy.
For that policy to work, there needs to be a different PM.
The EU would agree to stop the clock if needed, while we try to get sorted.
Yep, which ever side of the political divide you are on when it comes to Brexit, if you want what is best for the country going forward from this point you want someone competent to be leading the British side of the negotiations and making decisions on our behalf. That is certainly not Corbyn but neither is it May. I have no faith at all in her doing what is best for the country as opposed to what is best for her party and her own position. I would even go so far as to say she appears to be arrogant enough to believe that what is best for herself is what is best for the country.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
Pat Jennings - one player liked by both Spurs and Arsenal fans.
Do Labour have any interest in achieving Brexit? They'll mouth platitudes in support but it's only Tory MPs that are stupid enough to still think it's a good idea.
Corbyn is supremely uninterested in Brexit. He makes no movement either for or against.
Starmer and Davis are unlikely to agree on much, neither will Thornberry or Gardiner.
It wouldn't be easy, but it'd be right. We want a British Brexit, not a Tory Brexit. This is one of the reasons that May's pitch to the electorate failed.
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell(If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
Jumped so far above the shark that you're running out of breathable atmosphere.
You've become far too excitable for your own well being since yesterday: I can't think why.
In fairness Mundell was only just chosen as SoS for Scotland despite the lack of alternatives. The only skill he has shown to date was the ability to keep his seat which, until Thursday, made him pretty special.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
May is not going to change her spots. She has never been one to consult or listen on policy.
For that policy to work, there needs to be a different PM.
The EU would agree to stop the clock if needed, while we try to get sorted.
Yep, which ever side of the political divide you are on when it comes to Brexit, if you want what is best for the country going forward from this point you want someone competent to be leading the British side of the negotiations and making decisions on our behalf. That is certainly not Corbyn but neither is it May. I have no faith at all in her doing what is best for the country as opposed to what is best for her party and her own position. I would even go so far as to say she appears to be arrogant enough to believe that what is best for herself is what is best for the country.
It's not a negotiation it's take it or leave so what matters is who would do best in the circumstance? Some politician or the British people just to add to that it's sickening to watch Tories more worried about who is best to win the next election than who can make the right decision for us all. Whist I hate to say it maybe travel junkie had a point
It is noteable that a majority of the comments on ConHome oppose Boris as next Tory leader, despite the site's community having previously been close to a fan club for him.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
Except they might soon have an NI election to face?
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
Both are good on paper to me but the next leader needs more testing than May received.
To be fair to May I think she was more aware of the problems facing the country and the need for change than those who proceeded her. But she was clearly flawed as has been exposed now.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
In that case they would have the choice of supporting a Corbyn led coalition or their being another GE. Those are the choices.
Of course with the numbers the way they are the only way Corbyn could get a coalition without them would be to persuade Sinn Féin to take up their seats. Are they really willing to risk that?
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
PP is off-puttingly arrogant. I wrote Boris off as having become a figure of ridicule, but if he could rebuild his reputation by emphasising that he would lead a good team, rather than giving the impression that he'd be a kind of British Trump, he could pull it off.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
FPT. JackW said: "Context is everything Sean. Go back seven weeks and tell Conservatives they'd lose their majority from a 20 point lead and they either ask what care in the community project you were in or that the Messiah has endorsed Jezza .... or probably both."
Hi JackW, hoping you are in fine and fiesty fettle. I had real concerns when May called this GE, not least because it became very evident within hours that she had not even consulted a few trusted members of her own Cabinet or devolved party Leaders such as Ruth Davidson. That set alarm bells ringing with me that got even louder when I heard that both her Comms Chief and Press secretary wanted to resign. That immediately indicated to me that not even they had been in loop when it came to making such a monumental decision to call a snap GE. A huge error of judgement on so many levels. And one only compounded by briefings flying around that May was then expecteng uber loyalty from backbenches on their return after the GE on the back of 'her' manifesto with what appears shockingly little imput or signing off from her elected politicians.
It is noteable that a majority of the comments on ConHome oppose Boris as next Tory leader, despite the site's community having previously been close to a fan club for him.
Didn't I predict that the Conservatives would regain Richmond if they won the following general election
May is not going to change her spots. She has never been one to consult or listen on policy.
For that policy to work, there needs to be a different PM.
The EU would agree to stop the clock if needed, while we try to get sorted.
Yep, which ever side of the political divide you are on when it comes to Brexit, if you want what is best for the country going forward from this point you want someone competent to be leading the British side of the negotiations and making decisions on our behalf. That is certainly not Corbyn but neither is it May. I have no faith at all in her doing what is best for the country as opposed to what is best for her party and her own position. I would even go so far as to say she appears to be arrogant enough to believe that what is best for herself is what is best for the country.
It's not a negotiation it's take it or leave so what matters is who would do best in the circumstance? Some politician or the British people just to add to that it's sickening to watch Tories more worried about who is best to win the next election than who can make the right decision for us all. Whist I hate to say it maybe travel junkie had a point
It is certainly not take it or leave it. I would suggest if you believe that you are arguing from a point of extreme ignorance or bias.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
DUP can extract the same policy concessions, and maybe more, by staying outside a coalition. It's not a question of whether they support the Conservatives but how.
I was hoping a few other Tory seats will fall in London. Chingford will go next time. Finchley will also probably next time. Hendon and Chipping Barnet looks ripe as well.
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
PP is off-puttingly arrogant. I wrote Boris off as having become a figure of ridicule, but if he could rebuild his reputation by emphasising that he would lead a good team, rather than giving the impression that he'd be a kind of British Trump, he could pull it off.
I must admit I had not noticed that she was particularly arrogant. She is certainly forthright but that is kind of understandable in her position.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
DUP can extract the same policy concessions, and maybe more, by staying outside a coalition. It's not a question of whether they support the Conservatives but how.
But limos and red boxes are attractive. The only time in their lives they will get the chance.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
Except they might soon have an NI election to face?
Not if they are in government and don't want an election. They could insist that HMG impose direct rule if they prefer.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
I was hoping a few other Tory seats will fall in London. Chingford will go next time. Finchley will also probably next time. Hendon and Chipping Barnet looks ripe as well.
You think Labour are going to get 40% the next time? Interesting.
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
George Best?
Dr Frank Pantridge, who invented the portable defibrilator
I used meet him in my local pub, he's probably saved more lives than anyone I know
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
Except they might soon have an NI election to face?
Not if they are in government and don't want an election. They could insist that HMG impose direct rule if they prefer.
The DUP and SF now have all the Westminster seats from NI with the DUP having a majority of those, so a second election for the Assembly would solve nothing
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
PP is off-puttingly arrogant. I wrote Boris off as having become a figure of ridicule, but if he could rebuild his reputation by emphasising that he would lead a good team, rather than giving the impression that he'd be a kind of British Trump, he could pull it off.
Priti Patel is bad news . Look at her backstory. Lobbyist for British American Tobacco.
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
Davis does not have the charisma required and Patel is too extreme for floating voters
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
DUP can extract the same policy concessions, and maybe more, by staying outside a coalition. It's not a question of whether they support the Conservatives but how.
But limos and red boxes are attractive. The only time in their lives they will get the chance.
No it isn't. The DUP could get the trappings of office from Stormont, just as the SNP might value Holyrood over Westminster.
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
Davis does not have the charisma required and Patel is too extreme for floating voters
May is not going to change her spots. She has never been one to consult or listen on policy.
For that policy to work, there needs to be a different PM.
The EU would agree to stop the clock if needed, while we try to get sorted.
Yep, which ever side of the political divide you are on when it comes to Brexit, if you want what is best for the country going forward from this point you want someone competent to be leading the British side of the negotiations and making decisions on our behalf. That is certainly not Corbyn but neither is it May. I have no faith at all in her doing what is best for the country as opposed to what is best for her party and her own position. I would even go so far as to say she appears to be arrogant enough to believe that what is best for herself is what is best for the country.
It's not a negotiation it's take it or leave so what matters is who would do best in the circumstance? Some politician or the British people just to add to that it's sickening to watch Tories more worried about who is best to win the next election than who can make the right decision for us all. Whist I hate to say it maybe travel junkie had a point
It is certainly not take it or leave it. I would suggest if you believe that you are arguing from a point of extreme ignorance or bias.
No I'm not they have been working hard behind the scenes and have their ducks in a row, yes it might be a superficial negotiation at the edges but they don't give a flying shit who turns up to "negotiate" whilst we waste time holding futile elections and then more time asking who will beat Corbyn next time. It's turning into the best episode of "in the thick of it" that nobody thought was possibly real. We all suffer from " fog in channel, Europe cot off" syndrome how bloody important do you think we are. Whilst we equable German car manufacturers are re-engineering their supply chain and prepare for WTO what do we do, worry about who can beat Corbyn,
Must be close to there being more Tory MPs openly against DUP support than there are DUP MPs, thus making any agreement pointless.
Heidi Allen is a Lib Dem in the Conservative party colours for some reason. Expect her to defect.
But that kind of stereotyping ignores the fact there are huge numbers of Tory supporters who think a formal deal with the DUP is the worst idea since Noah's neighbour decided to buy an umbrella.
May should go for minority Government and informal support for the Queen's speech. Anything more than that and she is just making a bad situation worse.
The DUP might not give such support...
Tell them back us, or you'll get Corbyn as Prime Minister.
How'd you fancy Lord Ken Livingstone as Northern Ireland Secretary?
Threatening to blow your own head off with a shotgun isn't a negotiating tactic
We could give Northern Ireland away to the Republic as part of the Brexit deal.
See how they like that then.
Sounds like a good idea to me!
Plus what has Northern Ireland ever brought to the mainland apart from terrorism
so same as the pakistanis then ?
Nope, without Pakistanis the NHS would collapse.
And England would be shite at cricket.
the pakistanis have contibuted bugger all to society, not even curry, thats the bangladeshis
the paksiatnais are the DUP - teetoal, god bothering , homophobic, funny accents, violence motivated , misogynistic handout junkies
I was hoping a few other Tory seats will fall in London. Chingford will go next time. Finchley will also probably next time. Hendon and Chipping Barnet looks ripe as well.
Maybe and maybe not, the future is unpredictable.
Labour might have won the Barnet seats this time if it hadn't been so tolerant of anti-Semitism.
One thing I predict though is if Labour continues to promise no more student tuition fees and the Conservatives don't do something about increasing home ownership then the urban middle classes will continue to trend leftwards.
Of the current cabinet members, my preference for the next leader would be:
Greg Clark Amber Rudd David Mundell (If we can't have Ruth, why not?)
All three are non-tribalists within the party and team players.
None have the charisma required to beat Corbyn now and are all too establishment former Remain backers like May, only Boris does
Not for me. I would not actively oppose him but I think he would be more of a liability than an asset in the long run.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
PP is off-puttingly arrogant. I wrote Boris off as having become a figure of ridicule, but if he could rebuild his reputation by emphasising that he would lead a good team, rather than giving the impression that he'd be a kind of British Trump, he could pull it off.
Priti Patel is bad news . Look at her backstory. Lobbyist for British American Tobacco.
Toxic.
Non-SPAD experience of working in the outside world?
May is not going to change her spots. She has never been one to consult or listen on policy.
For that policy to work, there needs to be a different PM.
The EU would agree to stop the clock if needed, while we try to get sorted.
Yep, which ever side of the political divide you are on when it comes to Brexit, if you want what is best for the country going forward from this point you want someone competent to be leading the British side of the negotiations and making decisions on our behalf. That is certainly not Corbyn but neither is it May. I have no faith at all in her doing what is best for the country as opposed to what is best for her party and her own position. I would even go so far as to say she appears to be arrogant enough to believe that what is best for herself is what is best for the country.
It's not a negotiation it's take it or leave so what matters is who would do best in the circumstance? Some politician or the British people just to add to that it's sickening to watch Tories more worried about who is best to win the next election than who can make the right decision for us all. Whist I hate to say it maybe travel junkie had a point
It is certainly not take it or leave it. I would suggest if you believe that you are arguing from a point of extreme ignorance or bias.
No I'm not they have been working hard behind the scenes and have their ducks in a row, yes it might be a superficial negotiation at the edges but they don't give a flying shit who turns up to "negotiate" whilst we waste time holding futile elections and then more time asking who will beat Corbyn next time. It's turning into the best episode of "in the thick of it" that nobody thought was possibly real. We all suffer from " fog in channel, Europe cot off" syndrome how bloody important do you think we are. Whilst we equable German car manufacturers are re-engineering their supply chain and prepare for WTO what do we do, worry about who can beat Corbyn,
Ah so both ignorant and biased then. Thanks for that.
What's in it for the DUP -- a seat in the cabinet, getting screwed over policy and decimated by the electorate? Does Theresa May hope the DUP leadership somehow missed the fate of the LibDems when they entered coalition?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Did the DUP make any pledges like the Lib Dems did on tuition fees?
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
DUP can extract the same policy concessions, and maybe more, by staying outside a coalition. It's not a question of whether they support the Conservatives but how.
But limos and red boxes are attractive. The only time in their lives they will get the chance.
Yes, ask the LibD...umm... can't remember. That yellow party led by the homophobe now.
Comments
See how they like that then.
This was a bloody excellent result for us brexit-sceptics.
Revenge of the remainers!
The men in grey suits will send for the men in white coats.
Starmer and Davis are unlikely to agree on much, neither will Thornberry or Gardiner.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Deeply. Sincerely.
Looking back on it now, this is the result us hard core Brexiteers should have hoped for.
Well, I guess we'd find out how ignorant May was of Northern Irish politics.
'modernisers' did nothing about housing and let the young bear the brunt of sending cuts whilst protecting the old. Corbyn's achievement was in encouraging them to vote.
(Lord Kelvin.)
1. All DUP MPs to receive invitations to Ruth Davidson's wedding.
2. Other issues to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-book-of-jeremy-corbyn
Did the Le Pen deflation teach you nothing?
Surely the DUP can insist on any policy demands it likes as the price for supporting the Queen's speech and perhaps confidence and supply thereafter. One would imagine they'd be more concerned about the border with Ireland and perhaps a grand committee on Brexit than with a wholly symbolic week or so on abortion limits.
Those people who shat all over the young and bribed the old claimed to be modernisers.
Of course, it's absolute sodding lunacy, but we're through the looking glass now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6KfsD9tpUo
Provided they didn't do anything silly - like signing up to a Brexit deal that reintroduced a hard border with the Republic and tariffs on agricultural produce - they could probably win even more support within the Unionist community by being part of a Coalition government.
I think it has to be a Leaver and the only two I think would be suitable would be David Davis - for a safe pair of hands and because of his anti-statist views- or Priti Patel because she is young, intelligent, a very good communicator and has none of the baggage of the old post Thatcher wilderness years party.
Some politician or the British people just to add to that it's sickening to watch Tories more worried about who is best to win the next election than who can make the right decision for us all. Whist I hate to say it maybe travel junkie had a point
To be fair to May I think she was more aware of the problems facing the country and the need for change than those who proceeded her. But she was clearly flawed as has been exposed now.
Of course with the numbers the way they are the only way Corbyn could get a coalition without them would be to persuade Sinn Féin to take up their seats. Are they really willing to risk that?
Hi JackW, hoping you are in fine and fiesty fettle. I had real concerns when May called this GE, not least because it became very evident within hours that she had not even consulted a few trusted members of her own Cabinet or devolved party Leaders such as Ruth Davidson. That set alarm bells ringing with me that got even louder when I heard that both her Comms Chief and Press secretary wanted to resign. That immediately indicated to me that not even they had been in loop when it came to making such a monumental decision to call a snap GE. A huge error of judgement on so many levels. And one only compounded by briefings flying around that May was then expecteng uber loyalty from backbenches on their return after the GE on the back of 'her' manifesto with what appears shockingly little imput or signing off from her elected politicians.
And England would be shite at cricket.
I used meet him in my local pub, he's probably saved more lives than anyone I know
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Pantridge
Toxic.
How's your coalition of chaos with the homophobes feeling?
https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/873596560784936963
the paksiatnais are the DUP - teetoal, god bothering , homophobic, funny accents, violence motivated , misogynistic handout junkies
youd love them
Labour might have won the Barnet seats this time if it hadn't been so tolerant of anti-Semitism.
One thing I predict though is if Labour continues to promise no more student tuition fees and the Conservatives don't do something about increasing home ownership then the urban middle classes will continue to trend leftwards.
BURN HER
That's what the last referendum was all about right?