Northern Ireland

British government cites 'strong opposition' as Jeffrey Donaldson left reeling by double-jobbing U-turn

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Picture by Liam McBurney/PA Wire

THE BRITISH government last night cited the "strong views" of a majority of Stormont's parties for its last minute decision to pull a proposal to reintroduce double jobbing.

The shock announcement to withdraw the amendment that would have seen the return of dual mandates six years after being scrapped came as peers were preparing to debate the plan.

The U-turn left DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson reeling as he saw his opportunity to remain at Westminster if elected as an MLA evaporate.

Under the amendment to the Northern Ireland Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern Bill tabled by Tory peer Lord Jonathan Caine, double jobbing would have returned for temporary periods in between general elections, bringing the north into line with Scotland and Wales.

But ahead of yesterday's House Lords' debate on the legislation, Boris Johnson told Prime Minister's Questions the amendment was being withdrawn.

The Conservative chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, Simon Hoare had seconds earlier highlighted the widespread opposition to the proposal, including among Labour peers and MPs.

"The vast majority of people and indeed politicians across Northern Ireland believe that whatever the question, double-jobbing is not the answer, could I urge my right honourable friend to listen to the majority and ask him not to move the government amendment in the other place later today?" said Mr Hoare.

The Tory leader replied: "I'm grateful to my honourable friend and I'm advised that I think the amendment in question is indeed going to be withdrawn."

His surprise statement came after Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, Alliance leader Naomi Long, Green leader Clare Bailey, UUP leader Doug Beattie and People Before Profit's Gerry Carroll wrote to Mr Johnson on Tuesday rejecting plans to reintroduce double jobbing.

A disappointed Sir Jeffrey said voters should have had the opportunity to decide whether they wanted him to represent their interests at Westminster and at Stormont.

"From my own constituency I've had a lot of people saying we want you to remain our voice at Westminster but we also want you to lead your team into the assembly elections," he said.

"I'm not afraid of the electorate. I was willing to put myself before the electorate and to seek a mandate from the people because, ultimately, it's the people who decide. I think it's for others who didn't want that to happen to explain why they didn't feel that people should have a say in this."

He again dismissed suggestions that the amendment was the result of a deal with the British government.

A statement from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said the "principle of the amendment" was supported by the previous shadow secretary of state Louise Haigh.

“However, we recognise that strong views have since been expressed among parties in Northern Ireland, and we have taken the decision to drop the amendment," the statement said.

Ms O'Neill said the decision to scrap the amendment "proves once again that the DUP is out of step and the Tories out of order".

“This was a cynical and crude attempt by Boris Johnson and the NIO to prop up the DUP and facilitate Jeffrey Donaldson’s return to the assembly," she said.

Mr Eastwood said the U-turn was a "direct result of the political pressure brought to bear on the Tories", while Mrs Long welcomed Mr Johnson "finally waking up and listening to the will of the overwhelming majority of people and parties".

Mr Beattie said it was a "victory for positive dialogue and engagement with government and other parties".