DUP leader Gavin Robinson urges unionist electoral pact to prevent losses to Sinn Féin

Call for unionist electoral pact

Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson addressed delegates on Saturday at the party's annual conference in Belfast, calling for formal co-operation among pro-union parties ahead of the Assembly and local council elections in May. Robinson urged rival unionist groups to coordinate candidate selections to prevent vote splitting in competitive constituencies such as Lagan Valley and North Antrim. He argued that uncoordinated races in previous campaigns allowed rival parties to gain ground at the expense of unionist representation.

Working together, we are stronger. I am asking that, collectively, we do not gift wrap seats to Sinn Féin, the SDLP or Alliance that unionism could otherwise win.

Robinson stated that the DUP would not be found wanting in discussions with other unionist organisations. He asked parties to avoid fielding excessive candidate slates and to encourage voters to transfer preference votes to pro-union contenders, noting that co-operation would not require any party to abandon its core beliefs.

Fallout from Donaldson conviction and party polling

The party conference took place during a period of sustained electoral pressure following the arrest and conviction of former leader Jeffrey Donaldson. Donaldson was arrested two years ago and convicted in June on 18 sexual offences, including child rape. Following the verdict, Robinson commissioned an internal review to determine what knowledge party officials held regarding Donaldson's alleged misconduct and how it was handled. The DUP had previously lost 40,000 votes in the 2022 Assembly election, and July polling placed the party behind the Ulster Unionist Party.

Attendance at the La Mon Hotel reflected the party's reduced numbers. Approximately 300 delegates attended Robinson's Saturday address, down from more than double that figure during the tenure of former leader Peter Robinson in 2012 and 2013. Robinson addressed the Donaldson case at the start of his speech before turning to election strategy and governance.

Policy stances on immigration and foreign relations

Robinson also directed delegate attention toward immigration policy and international commentary regarding Northern Ireland's constitutional status. Addressing border controls, he stated that public concerns regarding migration required direct political engagement rather than dismissal.

Controlling immigration is not extreme; and expecting people to respect our laws and play their part is not extreme either.

The DUP leader prepared a direct response to US President Donald Trump, who visited the Republic of Ireland the previous weekend and described a united Ireland as inevitable. While several senior DUP figures previously expressed support for Trump, Robinson rejected the US president's assessment of Northern Ireland's future.

Atmosphere at the Belfast conference

The gathering marked Robinson's third party conference since assuming leadership of the party. The Friday evening dinner featured an Abba tribute band introduced by Robinson, who worked as a children's entertainer, magician, and clown before qualifying as a barrister. Robinson referenced a scene from the comedy series Derry Girls to joke that not all Protestants dislike the Swedish pop group. East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson responded with a quip before leading a conga line through the hotel ballroom during the evening entertainment.