Robinson Trying To Woo Liberal Protestants, Says Trimble

The appeals of Northern Ireland’s First Minister for a shared future are aimed at wooing liberal Protestants rather than Catholics, a rival unionist has claimed.

In a string of high-profile gestures, the DUP leader has called for integrated education, recently attended a GAA match, and even expressed hopes of attracting the support of Catholic voters.

But former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said he believed the moves are actually aimed at securing the support of those unionists who have previously been deterred by the DUP’s hardline past.

In an interview on the eamonnmallie.com website, Lord Trimble added: "I am doubtful as to whether the DUP can change its character to the extent that Robinson suggests. This is not something we can give a clear, hard and fast answer to."

He said the party had yet to shed sectarian baggage, adding: "I find it difficult to believe that party can be in a completely different place."

(LB/GK)