Dear Madam,- I enjoyed the recent newpaper coverage of the recent Westminster elections but in ways I am glad that things can settle back to normal for all who live in this contested constituency.
Fair play and fair dues to Tom Elliott for getting over the line in the first past the post contest as he has stuck at the task of trying to unite the unionist electorate. There is no shadow of doubt that lessons were learnt from the hurt of losing the 2010 election and Unionist organisation was obviously to the fore when one examines the organisation behind the volume of postal posts gathered behind Tom Elliott which made the difference in the final count.
Nationalism and, in particular, the Republican version will do well to learn that organisation i.e. vote registration of the nationalist “in built” electoral majority in this constituency is a must and a process that cannot be left to the last minute. I also share in the belief of a disappointed Phil Flanagan that the Orange Order were pivotal in securing ongoing vote registration, postal vote organisation and proxy vote take up in the years leading to what was in effect a virtual “re run” of the 2010 election.
Sinn Fein must learn the lesson and it probably has taken Tom Elliott’s victory to hit home that organisation is the key to future success.
The shoe is now on the other foot as nationalists feel hugely disappointed and let down that Tom Elliott is now the officially elected MP for the iconic seat of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Challenges will lie ahead for the brave Tom as his primary allegiances to the Orange Order will be exposed and tested in the years ahead.
As regards the SDLP I predict implosion from within and resentment by the nationalist electorate at large especially when its newly elected councillor Richie McPhillips was quoted in a local newspaper as “seeing no reason whatsoever to have to defend why the SDLP were in the election” in Fermanagh South Tyrone.
As for Sinn Fein there is a level of truth in being accused of “sitting back” and letting the recent Westminster result happen and doing little electorally to actually prevent it since the 2010 lucky escapade!
With the Conservatives “rewarding” Fermanagh and its hosting of the G8 summit and David Cameron inexplicably not wanting to have to publically explain why they decided in London not to field a candidate here in the constituency, it is clear Sinn Fein have a mighty unenviable job ahead if they wish to plan to regain the seat in the name of Bobby Sands.
Yours faithfully, Never a dull moment Dear Madam,- I enjoyed the recent newpaper coverage of the recent Westminster elections but in ways I am glad that things can settle back to normal for all who live in this contested constituency.
Fair play and fair dues to Tom Elliott for getting over the line in the first past the post contest as he has stuck at the task of trying to unite the unionist electorate. There is no shadow of doubt that lessons were learnt from the hurt of losing the 2010 election and Unionist organisation was obviously to the fore when one examines the organisation behind the volume of postal posts gathered behind Tom Elliott which made the difference in the final count.
Nationalism and, in particular, the Republican version will do well to learn that organisation i.e. vote registration of the nationalist “in built” electoral majority in this constituency is a must and a process that cannot be left to the last minute. I also share in the belief of a disappointed Phil Flanagan that the Orange Order were pivotal in securing ongoing vote registration, postal vote organisation and proxy vote take up in the years leading to what was in effect a virtual “re run” of the 2010 election.
Sinn Fein must learn the lesson and it probably has taken Tom Elliott’s victory to hit home that organisation is the key to future success.
The shoe is now on the other foot as nationalists feel hugely disappointed and let down that Tom Elliott is now the officially elected MP for the iconic seat of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Challenges will lie ahead for the brave Tom as his primary allegiances to the Orange Order will be exposed and tested in the years ahead.
As regards the SDLP I predict implosion from within and resentment by the nationalist electorate at large especially when its newly elected councillor Richie McPhillips was quoted in a local newspaper as “seeing no reason whatsoever to have to defend why the SDLP were in the election” in Fermanagh South Tyrone.
As for Sinn Fein there is a level of truth in being accused of “sitting back” and letting the recent Westminster result happen and doing little electorally to actually prevent it since the 2010 lucky escapade!
With the Conservatives “rewarding” Fermanagh and its hosting of the G8 summit and David Cameron inexplicably not wanting to have to publically explain why they decided in London not to field a candidate here in the constituency, it is clear Sinn Fein have a mighty unenviable job ahead if they wish to plan to regain the seat in the name of Bobby Sands.
Yours faithfully, Never a dull moment
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