ANALYSIS:Party turns to focus groups and think-ins to make up for decline of Free Presbyterian help, writes DAN KEENAN
THE DUP is finalising a host of plans to help it “reconnect” with its core support and prevent a repetition of last week’s disastrous election performance.
Among many plans being considered are setting up focus groups comprising members from all levels in the party. These will attempt to bridge what is seen as the widening gap between its representatives in Stormont and Westminster and those at the grassroots, who are seen as worryingly and damagingly detached.
Elected representatives, party officers and key staff may also organise “think-ins” at residential meetings, akin to those organised by main parties in the Republic.
Party members at branch level are shocked by the performance of Diane Dodds in the Euro election and the inroads made on the DUP by its former MEP, Jim Allister. The party lost 40 per cent of its vote, and Ms Dodds retained its European Parliament seat without reaching the quota.
There is unhappiness at the conduct of the Euro campaign, ranging from the selection of Ms Dodds as candidate to the failure of ordinary members to conduct vital door-to-door canvasses, even in DUP strongholds – a key failure of the election effort.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the party’s director of elections, is being criticised behind the scenes.
The party is understood to be considering how, in the post-Paisley era, it is to organise base support. The loss of Dr Paisley as leader and most visible representative has also meant a weakening of the productive link between the party and the Free Presbyterian Church, which he founded and led.
The increasingly secular DUP has yet to find a new way of networking with its base to replace the old church-party structure, which yielded a willing workforce, especially at election times.
It is believed the DUP is also reviewing its two-year plan designed in 2007 to allow devolution and powersharing with Sinn Féin to become bedded down.
That policy included the aim of portraying Stormont rule as positive, producing a host of gains for unionists despite sharing ministerial office with republicans. These objectives are now seen by many to have run into serious trouble.
Party sources say the work of its MLAs and Ministers is not being communicated to voters, especially DUP supporters, in a positive way. Many at street level regard the party’s performance in the Executive in negative terms.
It is felt they view the record since 2007 as one marked by talk of vetoes and stalemate. The benefits of initiatives, such as those concerning inward investment and avoidance of water charges, have meanwhile not been sold properly.
Grassroots DUP supporters are seen to be gravely worried by three interconnected issues – “double jobbing” MPs and Assembly members, development of political “dynasties” and the fallout from the furore over Westminster expenses and allowances. Party leader Peter Robinson’s decision to reshuffle his Executive Ministers is to be viewed against this backdrop.
The party hopes the expenses storm can be weathered, but the “family name” issue will prove more problematic, especially with Ian Paisley jnr planning to oppose Mr Allister in North Antrim should his father, the Rev Ian Paisley, retire from Westminster at the next election.