Conservative leaders give a big welcome to Deirdre Nelson

The text quoted below is from an official conservative party circular published last night

The Conservatives in Northern Ireland are delighted to announce this evening that DUP Councillor Deirdre Nelson has defected to our Party. Deirdre, who was elected to Ballymena Borough Council in 2005, will join the Conservatives with immediate effect. 

In the wake of her defection, Cllr Nelson said, 

“As of today, I have resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party. I have been unhappy with the direction the Party has taken since the loss of Dr Paisley as leader. 

I have watched, with interest, the recent moves by the Conservative Party to begin to steer Northern Ireland away from sectarian politics into normal UK politics and to ensure that Northern Ireland fulfils her role as an integral and necessary part of the United Kingdom, in which all traditions are welcomed. 

This coupled with the recent visit by David Cameron, has persuaded me that I wish to be an active and valued member of the Conservatives. And therefore I am announcing that with effect from today I will sit as a Conservative councillor on Ballymena Council. 

I will of course, continue to serve my constituents to the best of my ability and in time I trust that they will see the wisdom of my decision.” 

Commenting on the European Election, Cllr Nelson said, 

“I am delighted to give my full support to Jim Nicholson MEP as our Conservatives and Unionists candidate this Thursday. Jim’s experience will be vital in the next European Parliament and, as part of one of the biggest national delegations, he will ensure that Northern Ireland’s voice is heard as never before.”  

Responding to the news, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson MP said, 

“I am delighted at the news that Deirdre has decided to join the Conservatives. Deirdre has worked incredibly hard for her constituents over the past four years and we are pleased to welcome her to our Party. This news shows that the mood for change is strong right across the United Kingdom. “  

Eric Pickles MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party, said, 

“I am delighted to have such a sensible person join the Conservatives. It is clear that the future of Northern Ireland is more secure with a centre right party that seeks to represent the whole of the UK at every level.” 

Tim Lewis, Chairman of the Conservatives in Northern Ireland said, 

“The news of Deirdre’s defection so close to Thursday’s elections will come as a body blow to the DUP. Coupled with the defection of Harry Greenaway to the UUP, today’s news embodies the great strides we, as Conservatives and Unionists, have made over the last few months. “

Cllr. Deirdre Nelson defects from the UUP to the Conservatives

The News came through yesterday evening that councillor Deirdre Nelson of Ballymena had defected from the DUP to the Conservative Party. 

At the same time, it was announced that Councillor Harry Greenaway of Dungannon & South Tyrone has defected from the DUP to the UUP.  Strangely, the Belfast Telegraph only reported Greenaway’s defection.  There was no report about the defections in the Newsletter or the Irish News either.   I am glad to say that at least the BBC has reported it.  

Until now, the defections between the unionist parties that I recall were from the UUP to the DUP.  In November 2003, Jeffrey Donaldson, Arlene Foster and Nora Beare defected from the UUP to the DUP.  It is wonderful to see the first signs of that trend being reversed.  Both of these defections are undoubtedly a blow for the DUP although they will be thankful that most of the unionist press is keeping quiet about it.

I do not yet know much about Deirdre Nelson.  She has her own website and her profile is interesting to read.  What pleases me most is her statement, reported on the BBC, that she wishes to move away from sectarian politics.   

Deirdre is very welcome to our Party.