News / Politics

Jeffrey Donaldson confirms second DUP leadership bid

Monday, 21 June 2021 5:44 PM [ Last Update: Monday, 21 June 2021 5:53 PM ]

Jeffrey Donaldson's traditional unionist views coupled with his opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol and Irish language legislation do not augur well for the political crisis in the north of Ireland

Jeffrey Donaldson has confirmed he will be contesting the leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), his second bid in as many months.

In May, the Lagan Valley MP was narrowly defeated for the role of DUP leader by Edwin Poots, who was forced to stand down after only 21 days in office owing to his weak leadership style and unpopularity.

Paul Givan appointed as Northern Ireland First Minister amid deepening political crisis

As expected Paul Givan has been appointed Northern Ireland

Donaldson has given strong indications he will leave Westminster to become Northern Ireland’s First Minister if he becomes DUP leader.

The nominations for the party leadership close on noon on Tuesday (June 22), with the next DUP leader set to be confirmed on Saturday (June 26).

If Donaldson secures the DUP top job he will replace Poots loyalist Paul Givan as First Minister.

Paul Givan told to ‘resign’ following Edwin Poots departure

The hapless Paul Givan has the dubious distinction of being both the youngest and shortest-serving Northern Ireland First Minister.

However, a Donaldson victory is not expected to alleviate the political crisis in Northern Ireland as he has hardline views on two contentious issues: the Northern Ireland Protocol (which keeps the British-controlled territory aligned to the European Union single market) and a proposed Irish language law.

On announcing his second leadership bid, Donaldson called on pro-British elements in the north of Ireland to “unite in the face of the threats posed to Northern Ireland by the protocol".

Loyalists rally in Portadown against NI Protocol

Loyalists have staged

"Make no mistake, this [Northern Ireland Protocol] is the number one issue facing our country, our people and our place within the United Kingdom”, Donaldson said in a statement.

"If elected, I will ensure that the government doesn't just listen, but recognizes the need to take decisive action to deal quickly with the protocol", he added.

On the highly emotive issue of Irish language legislation, Donaldson has previously said he will not nominate a First Minister unless there is “significant change in the plans to bring in Irish language laws”.