Opinion

UUP's refusal to engage is telling

IF Ulster Unionist members had walked out of a Down District Council meeting because they believed nationalists were forcing through a contentious motion on the Irish language, they might have been able to argue that their actions were justified. However, as it was confirmed yesterday, they actually withdrew in protest as Linda Ervine, a respected figure who is firmly within the Protestant and unionist tradition, attempted to explain the historical links between the language and her community.

Refusing to listen to an informed point of view and declining to engage in a proper debate represented another sad comment on the way the Ulster Unionist Party has been heading for some time.

The councillors concerned have subsequently agreed to travel to Belfast for further discussions with Mrs Ervine, but it was telling that they felt unable to defend their position within their own council chamber.