SQUINTER: Jeffrey convinces himself that it wasn't such a bad election after all
Transcript of interview with DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson in the wake of last Thursday’s Assembly election. – Good morning, Sir Jeffrey.– With respaykt, that’s a matter of opinion.– Okay. How do you think the election went?– I thought it was the best election I have ever had as leader of the DUP.– It’s the only election you’ve ever had as the leader of the DUP.– With respaykt, that may be so but it doesn’t change the truth of what I said.– Fair enough. How do you think your vote held up?– Well, I thought it was a very strong showing given that most commentators expected us to fall behind the Workers’ Party.– Who said that?– Bloke on Twitter, some woman on Facebook. Loads of people.– You dropped 40,000 first preference votes.– Yes, but they were all our voters who went to the Rangers match.– You sure about that?– Of course. I watched the match on my phone and Ibrox was coming down with DUP banners.– How many first preference votes do you think Jim Allister’s TUV gained since 2017?– I don’t know, but I’ve a terrible feeling you’re going to tell me.– About 40,000.– Your point being…– Well, you dropped 40,000... the TUV picked up 40,000… You see where this is going?– Not really, no.– Do you think standing beside Jim Allister on the back of a lorry covered in flags at those Protocol protests was a good idea in retrospect?– I most certainly do. I think it galvanised the vote and persuaded thousands of people who care about our Precious Union to come out and show their support.– For the TUV.– Yes. No, wait.– Can you share with us the advice that your Donaghadee barrister shared with you as you chatted together on a Protocol march?– My Donaghadee barrister?– My Cousin Binny. Rumpole of the Failey.– Ah, yes, the wee man. Well, he told me to keep the faith and to ignore the bad polls. He told me that when he was on remand in the clink with Willie Frazier and things seemed at their darkest, he always sang to himself the words of an inspirational song.– Let me guess. Something Inside So Strong? I Get Knocked Down But I Get Up Again?– Every Loser Wins. Nick Berry. Classic. Can’t get it out of my head.– He tell you anything else?– He told me that when he was Ruth Patterson’s election agent in South Belfast in 2016 and things were looking grim the only thing to do was to keep knocking on doors, keep licking those envelopes, keep putting in the hard yards.– And is that what spurred her on to success?– No, she got 400 votes and immediately quit politics, but it was still good advice.– So you’ve said you won’t be nominating ministers to the Executive.– I most certainly won’t.– Why’s that?– We need decisive action on the union-dismantling Protocol.– Decisive action.– That’s right.– You don’t want it binned?– I’m not saying that.– You do want it binned?– I’m not saying that.– What are you saying?– I’m saying I want decisive action by the UK Government.– What does decisive action mean?– It means I want the government to act in a way which is decisive.– For example?– Oh, there are so many things…– Tell me one.– I’d rather not.– Have you told the government what you think they should do?– No.– Why not?– Because I have no idea otherwise we wouldn’t be in this mess.– So no Executive and that £300 million that’s there to be spent right away won’t get spent.– But it will still be there when we come back.– Which will be when?– God knows.– What about pensioners sitting in shopping malls?– Taking a wee rest?– Trying to keep warm.– God love them.– There’ll be no money available to help them with their energy bills.– Sure it’s nearly summer and it’s warming up nicely.– What about waiting lists?– It’s not my fault so many people want a Rangers season ticket.– No, hospital waiting lists.– You need to ask Robin Swann about that.– He can’t access any of that money until you let him.– Always somebody else’s fault with that fella.– What about people eating cold food because they can’t afford to use gas and electricity?– Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a Magnum?– Tell me, Jeffrey, are you going to resign your Westminster seat?– Ah, now, that would be telling.– You don’t think the people who voted for you deserve to be told that who’s going to actually represent them in Stormont?– Long as it’s DUP, they’re not bothered.– So if you stay on as an MP what would be your choice in the co-opt?– I like their sticky slow-cooked British barbecue ribs. Grrreat.– Not Co-op, co-opt. Who would you pick to take your place in Stormont?– I didn’t say I wouldn’t sit in Stormont.– And you didn’t say you would.– You see? Now you’re starting to understand.
