DUP wants rebuff for republicans

BBC News:

The government must press on with moves to form a devolved government in Northern Ireland without Sinn Fein, the Democratic Unionists have said.

The party's election manifesto calls for a "clear message to be sent to republicans" that the political process will no longer wait for them.

It says if a voluntary coalition could not be set up, direct rule from Westminster should be more accountable.

The manifesto did not say when it would consider Sinn Fein fit to share power.

Earlier this month, UKUP leader Bob McCartney said he had been assured by the DUP leadership that it would take a generation before it would consider government with republicans.

Speaking at the manifesto launch, DUP leader Ian Paisley portrayed the election as the ultimate battle between Sinn Fein and his party.

"The only way that IRA/Sinn Fein can be defeated is if the DUP is declared by the majority of voters to be Northern Ireland's largest party and the authentic voice of Northern Ireland," he said.

He called for the electorate to deliver the "ultimate rebuff" to republicans saying it was "now or never".

"This can become Ulster's finest hour. May God define the right."

So as far as Paisley is concerned this election is all about telling Nationalist voters that their votes will be ignored if they go to Sinn Fein. I guess this is what the British mean when they talk about "democracy".