The DUP is failing to learn any lessons from Sinn Fein’s victory

Is the DUP intent on compounding the disaster of its recent election defeat which saw Sinn Fein returned as Northern Ireland’s largest party? It certainly seems that way. In the aftermath of that result, the DUP, the TUV (Traditional Unionist Voice) and other loyalists have been quick to point out that the unionist designation remains the largest at Stormont, albeit marginally. They argue that polling continues to show a majority in favour of Northern Ireland staying within the UK. This has been used to downplay Sinn Fein’s achievement last week. But this complacency is dangerous.

Contrary to the predictable hyperbole of recent days, a united Ireland is not imminent. Sinn Fein’s victory does not suddenly vanquish the range of barriers in its way, north and south. And any proclamation of profound and immediate constitutional change should come with an appropriate health warning.

But unionists managing to hold on to a slight, numerical advantage over the nationalists at Stormont should not be treated as some form of validation for a hapless campaign spearheaded by the DUP.