Donaldson warns of ‘split votes’ ahead of local elections

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has issued a pre-election warning to party members that “split votes hand seats to non-unionists”.

In an email seen by the PA news agency, Sir Jeffrey said council elections will likely be dominated by references to “the current political situation and the fact they take place in the absence of a functioning Assembly”.

“But the one lesson everyone should remember from the last election is that split votes hand seats to non-unionists,” he said, pointing to North Antrim where the party lost a seat in the Assembly elections in May.

Sir Jeffrey also told supporters “this is not the time to lose focus”, adding that the Windsor Framework represents progress.

“Whilst some unionists are solely interested in attacking the DUP in search of an electoral advantage, I am sticking to our plan,” he said.

He said he wanted to see a return to stable devolved government in Northern Ireland.

“But that won’t be achieved without arrangements that unionists as well as nationalists can support,” he added.

“The Windsor Framework represents progress but there is more work to do.

“The progress made to date was only achieved through determined action by the DUP.

“We remain focused on the goal because through restoring Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom it provides the solid foundation for a return to devolution.”