Nesbitt to stand down from Elected Politics
Dermot Nesbitt indicated to the Management Committee of South Down Constituency Ulster Unionist Association last night that he would not be going forward as a candidate for the forthcoming Assembly Election. The meeting was in order to make preparations for the forthcoming election.
Dermot Nesbitt said: “It has been a privilege to have been involved in politics for the last almost 40 years from the time as election agent for the late Brian Faulkner to Reg Empey. I believe that each leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, in his own time, was and is endeavouring to do his best for Northern Ireland. As one who enjoys politics, I have indeed been fortunate to have been part of the change in political thinking over the last 40 years.”
Dermot Nesbitt continued: “I especially thank the many workers within South Down who by their efforts enabled me to participate in politics. We together, especially over the last 8 years, had many difficult moments. Politically, we were storming the beaches and taking the ‘hits’ - in the vanguard of political thinking that was so necessary in order to deliver a better future for all in Northern Ireland. Those who now presently lead unionism have an easier task because of what my party did, particularly under the leadership of David Trimble.”
“Personally, I believe that when you reach a position of knowing that it is time to step aside that you actually should take that necessary decision. The difficult bit in standing down was in telling my Management Committee last night of my decision. South Down will now select a new candidate and we will go forward championing, as always, as progressive modern unionist image. As a continuing member of South Down I shall play my part.”
Dermot Nesbitt concluded: “My one major regret is that it has taken so long for all unionism to fully accept the requirements necessary for a politically stable Northern Ireland. Indeed, those so vehemently opposed to cross-party government in the 1970s are now its champions. What a change, but what a price to unionism and Northern Ireland for this delayed conversion”.