Brexit, abortion and a softening on LGBT issues weakened Arlene Foster’s support among DUP voters, a close friend of the party’s founder Ian Paisley has said.
Free Presbyterian Rev David McIlveen said a “policy shift” changed people’s attitudes towards the party.
He was speaking as Mrs Foster confirmed she plans to step down as DUP leader after a majority of MPs and MLAs signed a letter of no-confidence.
Loyalist anger over the party leadership’s handling of Brexit with the introduction of Irish Sea border checks has been cited as a factor in the unprecedented revolt.
Mrs Foster’s decision to abstain in a vote on gay conversion therapy last week further agitated religious sections of the party’s grassroots.
(Image: Declan Roughan/Presseye)
Rev McIlveen told Belfast Live: “I just think there has been a weakening of leadership because of maybe a failure to negotiate what many people perceive to be a proper Brexit.
“While the DUP voted against the Protocol, they were at the heart of government at a time when they could have influence politically which could have been advantageous to the whole of Northern Ireland.”
Rev McIlveen, who is not a DUP member, also said the liberalisation of Northern Ireland’s abortion laws by Westminster has “really created a problem for people who are of a pro-life position”.
And he said the party selecting an openly gay council election candidate in 2019 caused concern for people with strong religious beliefs.
“I think for people who hold a very strong fundamental position in terms of biblical beliefs, yes I do believe that was a step back as far as they’re concerned,” he said.
On the impact of the conversion therapy motion, Rev McIlveen said: “I think a lot depends on how people interpret political parties.
“I think when Dr Paisley was leader of the party, people recognised a very strong and spiritual influence on the party.”
He added: “I would be very strongly opposed to gay conversion although there is disagreement over what that means.”
Rev McIlveen said most people recognise leadership “is not an easy task”.
He said the timing of the no-confidence letter could have been better, as Mrs Foster is currently undertaking high-profile libel proceedings against a celebrity doctor.
“I think that has been a very traumatic time for her and her family. I think people need to be sensitive to that.”
