Raymond Farrell and First Minister Arlene Foster at the DUP Spring Conference at the Roe Park Hotel in Limavady
EX-UUP councillor Raymond Farrell has given his strongest indication yet that he is set to re-join the DUP.
The presence of the well-known local councillor at the DUP’s spring conference at the weekend has further fuelled speculation that he will formally join the party in the very near future. Mr Farrell was seated next to party leader Arlene Foster at the event in what is surely his biggest endorsement yet by the DUP. Added to that is his public pledge of support for the party’s upcoming Assembly election campaign in this constituency.
Cllr Farrell’s support was acknowledged by Mrs Foster: “I am delighted that Raymond has travelled from Fermanagh to be with us today. I am even more delighted that Raymond is fully supporting the DUP election campaign in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Thank you Councillor Farrell, and we look forward to having your support in the weeks ahead”.
Mr Farrell has repeatedly refused to rule out moving back to the DUP and was still giving nothing away when pressed on the issue by this newspaper at Saturday’s conference.
“My position as an independent councillor at this time doesn’t prevent me from having a say on who I think is best to lead Northern Ireland forward. I think in Arlene we have a lady with tremendous integrity and a very strong vision while others indicate a very strong double vision.
He added: “I am not committing myself to anything at this point in time but I certainly have every confidence in Arlene Foster and Maurice Morrow. They are a formidable team and I know that right across the divide in Fermanagh and South Tyrone they are held in the highest regard. This bodes well for the party so watch this space.”
Local DUP councillors Keith Elliot and Paul Robinson were full of praise for their colleague’s support.
Cllr Elliot said: “His presence and backing of Arlene is a good indication of his support for her as leader of the DUP. He hasn’t officially joined us at this stage but he would be welcomed with open arms.”
Cllr Robinson added: “It’s up to himself should he wish to come on board. We would be encouraging him to do so but it’s his decision and we won’t be forcing him”.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Mr Farrell has been courted by the party. At a DUP event in the Corick House Hotel in January, he was spotted in conversation with fellow councillors while attending a separate meeting in support of Ashers Bakery. It is believed he was also approached by Mrs Foster on the night.
Cllr Farrell quit the UUP last October, citing party leader Mike Nesbitt’s stance on gay marriage as the key reason behind his decision. At the time he was contacted by DUP members but also received support from other Unionist parties and individual Nationalist party members.
The Ballinamallard man joined the UUP in 2010, replacing Tom Elliott on Fermanagh District Council.
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