Surprise talks involving the Conservative Party, Ulster Unionists and the Democratic Unionists could boost political support for David Cameron after a general election, it was claimed today.
The confidential discussions come as the Tories are already involved in an electoral pact with the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), but the talks have fuelled speculation of a wider political deal.
The Conservatives have previously rejected DUP calls for agreed unionist candidates in selected Northern Ireland seats, characterising it as a return to old-style sectarian politics aimed at freezing-out nationalists.
Last night the Conservatives said their shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson had merely “facilitated” talks between the two unionist parties.
A spokesman said: “Mr Paterson held private talks with a number of senior unionist politicians in England over the weekend, the purpose of which was to help promote greater political stability.”
But Northern Ireland sources claimed that the discussions were of wider significance and that while they were at an early stage, they could yet maximise unionist political strength in Northern Ireland, while also securing UUP and DUP support for David Cameron in a hung parliament.
An Ulster Unionist spokesman confirmed the three-party meeting took place in London, but would say only that the discussions were “on issues of mutual concern . . . including the stability of Northern Ireland”.
However, SDLP leader Mark Durkan today warned the Conservatives against “distracting” Northern Ireland unionists.
Mr Durkan said: “I think, at a time when everybody should be concentrating on the big issue that is in front of us, it’s unhelpful for the Opposition party in Westminster, who are presenting themselves as the government-in-waiting, to distract parties in this way.”
Mr Durkan questioned whether the fear of a hung Parliament had tempted the Tories to drift away from their pledge to unveil a new political force in Northern Ireland which would offer both Catholic and Protestant voters the chance to take part in UK politics.
“When they first announced their great wheeze of coming into Northern Ireland politics, they said they would not be getting involved in the old communal politics,” said the Foyle MP. Repeating his party’s previous scepticism about Tory plans, he added: “Was that ever true?”
DUP leader Peter Robinson is understood to have led the DUP delegation, though the party refused to comment on the discussions.
Speculation over the talks could have implications for the current political negotiations in Northern Ireland where Sinn Féin is trying to press the DUP into a deal on devolving policing and justice powers to Stormont.
The DUP faced pressure over the recent scandal that hit Iris Robinson. It was believed that the party might agree a deal with Sinn Féin to avoid republicans collapsing the Assembly and forcing a snap election.
But the DUP could be strengthened, however, by the prospect of future co-operation between the unionist parties.
Elsewhere, negotiations will continue today between the DUP and Sinn Féin over the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Assembly.
Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness last night met Secretary of State Shaun Woodward and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, while Democratic Unionist leaders are also to have top-level talks with government officials.
Earlier, Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists briefed representatives from the other political parties in the Assembly on the state of the talks.
PA