Northern Ireland

Nothing untoward in Sammy Wilson's no-show say DUP

DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson has been conspicuously absent from the airwaves in recent days. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson has been conspicuously absent from the airwaves in recent days. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker DUP Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson has been conspicuously absent from the airwaves in recent days. Picture by Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

THE DUP has played down Sammy Wilson's absence from the airwaves and TV screens over recent days, insisting the party's Brexit spokesman is very much behind Boris Johnson's much-maligned proposals for securing a deal with the EU.

The party issued a statement from the East Antrim MP yesterday, however, Mr Wilson has yet to appear to defend the British prime minister's blueprint, despite being the party spokesman on leaving the EU.

Ardent eurosceptic Mr Wilson is one of his party's most high-profile MPs, making regular appearances on news channels and radio. However, he has been conspicuously absent since Wednesday when the Tory leader unveiled his latest plan.

In yesterday's statement, Mr Wilson attacked the Dublin government's response to the Tory leader's proposals, claiming the taoiseach "deliberately chose to poke unionists in the eye" by suggesting a united Ireland was one way to resolve the problems thrown up by Brexit.

"This taoiseach has repeatedly lectured UK ministers about their need to be impartial on the union – never again will he be able to take such a holier than thou approach to neutrality in Northern Ireland," he said.

"His blundering disrespect for people who support the union and prejudice was put up in lights for all to see."

The East Antrim MP said unionists would not tolerate Northern Ireland’s economic future being determined by the Dublin government.

"Whether people voted leave or remain those who believe the referendum result should be respected are prepared to work for a fair and balanced outcome which recognises the uniqueness of Northern Ireland," he said.

"However, if the Irish government follows its ‘winner takes all’ approach to the negotiations then Leo and Simon should get prepared to take further commands from Brussels who will force them to erect the structures they have railed so much against."

Nowhere in the statement did Mr Wilson state his support for British government's proposals.

A DUP spokesman said there was "nothing untoward" about the East Antrim MP's low profile over recent days.

"Sammy's been out of circulation for a few days but we'll have his smiley face back on the TV very shortly," he said.