UK:DAVID CAMERON is due to meet Reg Empey this morning to review progress in the ongoing Conservative/Ulster Unionist negotiations about the possible creation of a new Northern Ireland Conservative and Unionist Party.
Yesterday Mr Cameron told the BBC that efforts by the Conservatives and UUP to form a new political movement were facing difficulties. However, he "passionately" believed such an arrangement could be achieved. "It's a chance to make Northern Ireland politics less sectarian and more about the issues we deal with right across the United Kingdom, the Tory leader said.
Sources close to the discussions have been noticeably shy of talk about a full Ulster Unionist "merger" with the Conservatives. This reflects sensitivities around issues concerning local autonomy and the emblem or logo for what is being presented as "a new force" in Northern Ireland politics.
The unionists are understood to want to retain the union flag alongside the tree that currently represents "the Cameron brand". Despite this, however, there appears to be growing confidence that Sir Reg will be able to announce a successful outcome to his Unionist Party conference later this year.
The Northern Ireland Office, meanwhile, has confirmed that "there is huge respect" between London and Dublin on the issue of the long-anticipated visit by Queen Elizabeth to the Republic, as well as "great awareness about its sensitivity".
That confirmation came after DUP junior minister Jeffrey Donaldson offended the official Irish delegation in Birmingham yesterday by placing the question of a royal visit in the context of what he described as "anti-British sentiment" in the Republic.
Ambassador David Cooney and other officials were in the audience for the lunchtime fringe event which also heard Mr Donaldson suggest it was time for the Republic to join the Commonwealth. Mr Donaldson defended his remarks, citing the Irish Government view that a visit by Queen Elizabeth should take place after the devolution process in Northern Ireland is complete.
- Frank Millar