Jeffrey Donaldson may be confident enough to enter Stormont following the losses of other unionist parties in local elections in Northern Ireland.  

That’s according to Slugger O’Toole Deputy Editor David McCann, who said DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson may have enough “confidence” from voters to enter Stormont.  

The DUP gained 122 seats in local elections today, receiving no extra seats in a relatively unsuccessful campaign for unionist parties in Northern Ireland.  

In particular, Mr McCann said the poor results of the hardline Traditional Unionist Voice party could enable the DUP to enter the Northern Irish Assembly.  

“[Unionists voters] should give Jeffrey [Donaldson] a bit more confidence go back,” he told On The Record with Gavan Reilly. “The standstill strategy has run out of road for the DUP. They do need to pick a lane.” 

The TUV previously held influence over the DUP, prompting them to take a harder stance against the Northern Ireland Protocol and the Windsor Framework.

The DUP has refused to enter the Northern Irish Assembly until their issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol are dealt with.

However, Mr McCann suggested the "real contest" at elections yesterday was between the DUP and the TUV – and TUV’s small gain of four seats this local election might give the DUP the confidence to return to Stormont.  

“Most DUP members want to go back for the simple reason they have nowhere else really to go,” he said. “They have become very comfortable being a party of power, a party of influence.” 

Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson makes a key note speech on the Northern Ireland Protocol to senior party members at the La Mon hotel in east Belfast. Picture date: Thursday September 9, 2021.

“The DUP has had no great experience in Westminster over the past few years... the DUP know the value of devolution.” 

Unionist commentator Alex Kane agreed, saying Jeffrey Donaldson has wanted to go back into Stormont for “months”.  

“He’s a devolutionist to his fingertips,” he said. “He doesn’t want direct rule [from Westminster], but he allowed himself to be steered by the harder wings of unionism who don’t care if the Assembly collapses.” 

Sinn Féin's "phenomenal" victory

Mr McCann said Sinn Féin’s victory this weekend was a result of increased voter turnout and switches from other parties.  

“They’ve taken votes from the SDLP,” he explained. “They’ve also managed to bring out a lot of new voters. They got their base out.” 

“They’ve also managed to take away voters from the Alliance Party out west. Alliance have not had a great day in the western part of Northern Ireland.” 

Mr McCann said this was a “phenomenal, record win” for Sinn Féin.  

“A party has never broken the 140-seat barrier in local elections, and Sinn Féin have scored the best local government election result of any party.” 

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