The shocking results of the 2017 United Kingdom elections made the Democratic Unionist Party the potential linchpin of the next government. With the ruling Conservatives failing to retain an outright majority of seats in Parliament, they are planning to rely on the 10 Democratic Unionist Party seats from Northern Ireland to allow Prime Minister Theresa May to continue her reign.
But what is the Democratic Unionist Party? This two-and-a-half DUP ad for general broadcast will give you an idea.
In turn, the DUP ad features short testimonials from regular people who support the union. A mom on a playground says she wants "local ministers back in, to effect education and health." A farmer wants "agriculture [to] be more sustainable and farmers having a future." A college student wants to see "Northern Ireland's place strengthened within the United Kingdom." An elderly "pensioner" calls for "a strong group of MPs" [members of Parliament] looking out for her interests.
The DUP's leader Arlene Foster then ties their desires to DUP policies. Speaking to camera from inside a living room, Foster says that the mom wants "devolution restored" – in which Northern Ireland has some autonomous powers granted by the U.K. government, as opposed to independence.
Neither Foster, nor her deputy who speaks later, mention other conservative aspects of the DUP platform, such as its opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion.
The DUP's main message was that Northern Ireland could wield more power by working within the U.K. political system. Now that will be more true than ever.
But what is the Democratic Unionist Party? This two-and-a-half DUP ad for general broadcast will give you an idea.
The DUP Supports Devolution, Not Independence
In short, the DUP wants Northern Ireland to stay inside the United Kingdom, whereas its rival Sinn Fein supports a referendum on Northern Ireland independence.In turn, the DUP ad features short testimonials from regular people who support the union. A mom on a playground says she wants "local ministers back in, to effect education and health." A farmer wants "agriculture [to] be more sustainable and farmers having a future." A college student wants to see "Northern Ireland's place strengthened within the United Kingdom." An elderly "pensioner" calls for "a strong group of MPs" [members of Parliament] looking out for her interests.
The DUP's leader Arlene Foster then ties their desires to DUP policies. Speaking to camera from inside a living room, Foster says that the mom wants "devolution restored" – in which Northern Ireland has some autonomous powers granted by the U.K. government, as opposed to independence.
DUP Also Anti-Abortion, Anti-Gay Rights
Foster also cites the farmer when describing the DUP's nuanced view on Brexit: "Farmers like Charlie know the opportunities that leaving the European Union will present as well as acknowledging the challenges. Only the DUP can secure the best deal for Northern Island..."Neither Foster, nor her deputy who speaks later, mention other conservative aspects of the DUP platform, such as its opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion.
The DUP's main message was that Northern Ireland could wield more power by working within the U.K. political system. Now that will be more true than ever.