DUP Problems

Over the course of the past few months it has become clear that the tight grip of power that Ian Paisley once had on his 'flock' is loosening. Just last week it was revealed that he will be stepping down as leader of the church he founded, and now eight DUP councillors on Coleraine Council have backed a move to oppose DUP Minister Arlene Foster's plans for the Giant's Causeway.

The councillors in question supported a proposal by SDLP Councillor John Dallat backing the original government plan for the development of the Giant’s Causeway. The proposal was seconded by the DUP mayor Maurice Bradley.

The proposal reads: "This council supports the original government backed planning application for the Giant’s Causeway lodged in 2002 and conveys our concerns to the Minister for the Environment, Arlene Foster."

Foster has indicated support for the private planning application by Seaport Developments, a company owned by Seymour Sweeney, who is a member of the DUP.

Arlene Foster, for her part, has rubbished suggestions that she was influenced by Sweeney's membership of the DUP, saying: "A minister, when making decisions, cannot and should not investigate party affiliations of applicants, and I did not do so in this case."

"I do not know the applicant, have never met him, and know nothing about him.

"If anyone impugns my integrity in this matter I will be seeking legal advice and will act accordingly."