Moutray calls for greater unity between parties

Speaking of the positive benefits of such co-operation, Stephen Moutray said, “Divisions in unionism have been an ever-present factor for over 100 years – right back to the early part of the 20th century - yet the fact remains that all unionists share certain core principles and goals.”

In Upper Bann, he said the DUP recognised there was a need for re-evaluation of relationships between and among unionists and that was why in the 2007 Assembly election the party took the “unilateral step” of urging supporters to transfer to the UUP in order to save the fourth unionist Assembly seat.

“It was the right decision and it worked,” he said. “Instead of three unionists and three nationalist/republican MLAs, we were able to retain a four to two breakdown.

“According to the government of the Irish Republic, the constitutional question is now settled. There is only one way that republicans can re-open that question: that is if they make substantial electoral gains. It is in the wider and long term interests of the unionist family if we can work more closely together to maximise unionist electoral strength and representation.”

Mr Moutray said while there was no guaranteed outcome, the recent discussions held out the possibility of advancing the unionist cause “for years to come” - and that, he said, was something “all true unionists” would welcome.