Ulster Protestants, especially Orangemen and Unionists, must
use their greatest weapon in the coming days - exercise the
right to vote.
At the time of going to print it is not certain when the
impending election will take place in Northern Ireland. But
when it comes, irrespective of the date, all Protestants who
care for the welfare of this Province, and who cherish its
place within the United Kingdom must go to the polls.
Apathy on the part of Protestants in this vital issue during
the past decade has cost the Unionist parties dearly as regards
the loss of key seats at Westminster, Assembly, and local
government level.
Control of Belfast City Council hinges on one or two seats,
so it is essential if there is to be an overall Unionist majority
that all Unionists go out and vote.
In Londonderry there is still a chance of electing a Unionist
in the city side, while in many of the 26 local councils there
are seats which could be picked up if everyone did their duty.
Recently, on BBC 'Talkback' programme there was a deregatory
reference to what was called 'Garden Centre Prods' - Protestants
who apparently prefer to be in the garden on election day
than going to the polls.
There are very few 'Garden Centre republicans and nationalists'
as these people have taken on board the lesson that getting
their supporters out on election day is of supreme importance.
They have collected seats in the most unusual and unlikely
places by taking advantage of Protestants staying away from
the polling stations in droves, and getting their own supporters
out. Protestants must acquire the habit once again of going
out to cast their vote and demonstrating in decisive style
that Northern Ireland is British and intends to stay within
the United Kingdom, with all the cherished liberties and freedoms
that this guarantees.
Orangemen, of course, must vote too, and most probably do.
This next Assembly election when it does take place could
be one of the most important in the history of the Northern
Ireland state, so we cannot stress too strongly the need for
all Orange brethren to get out and vote.
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