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Carla Lockhart has said unionists need a "fresh new grassroots movement," in order to see unionism "off its knees" after she quit the DUP over its response to the Drumcree parading dispute . The fall-out comes after the party leader Gavin Robinson stopped short of Lockhart's call to force First Minister Michelle O'Neill from office over her involvement in protests on the Garvaghy Road , which blocked a contentious Orange Order parade from passing along the mainly nationalist street. Upper Bann MP then left the party on a "point of principle".
Lockhart said there were many within the DUP who "share my view with regards to the need for profound consequences". She is continuing in the Commons as an independent unionist. Speaking to BBC Nolan Live , Lockhart said that, over the last few years, there has not been "the fire that there's currently burning" within unionism.
"Unionism, for too long, has had its head down," she said. The MP said that she believes she can "keep that fire burning". "Unionism [sic] want unity within unionism, but they also want honesty and for people to stand by their word." Lockhart added that, by leaving the DUP, she had "probably" stepped out of her "comfort zone".
"That's why I've taken this stand, to actually inspire and show others that you can step out of your comfort zone." Lockhart has refused to say whether the TUV invited her to join them after she resigned from the DUP. TUV leader Jim Allister has said that she would be "welcome in the TUV". She said she will continue as an independent.
Several senior Sinn Féin figures, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill were interviewed by police over their involvement in protests on the Garvaghy Road. The politicians have defended their involvement in the protests, saying they were "standing with the residents" and O'Neill, the Sinn Féin vice-president said it was the "right thing to do". Last week the DUP, which shares power with Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland's devolved government, announced it would block official engagements involving O'Neill in response to the fall-out.
But DUP leader Gavin Robinson stopped short of Lockhart's call to force O'Neill from office. In an open letter to colleagues last week, Lockhart said forcing O'Neill from office was the "only one credible option" and any kind of "graduated response" would be "insulting to those who have trusted us". In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Monday, the MP said: "My first responsibility remains to the people of Upper Bann.
"You placed your trust in me, and I will continue to work every bit as hard for you, your family and our community." Lockhart said she was leaving the DUP on a "point of principle" and would continue in the House of Commons as an independent unionist. "I cannot stand idly by whilst Sinn Féin wilfully ignores the rule of law and the promised profound consequences fail to materialise," she added. Clement Cuthbertson, a councillor for Dungannon in Mid Ulster District Council, also quit the party this week.
He had been a DUP member for 30 years and will continue his elected role on the council as an independent unionist.
Source: BBC
