The UUP is teetering on the edge of extinction. Internal divisions, weak policies, absenteeism and uninspiring candidates are hastening its decline. Without real change, it's just sound bites and drama without substance. Urgent introspection and strategic reform are overdue.

I've always felt that Stephen Farry's Westminster seat in North Down was vulnerable and I still think he's beatable, however, Unionism appears to be doing everything in its power to make him invincible.

DUP's chaos gifted the UUP an open goal to show that they're a viable alternative Unionist party. Instead, they've fumbled the ball and imploded in a mess of their own creation. Genuine goodwill and opportunity have been squandered due to age-old unresolved internal UUP problems.

The Tim Collins North Down project has had underlying issues since its inception. These issues have only grown and I don't believe he can win the Westminster seat, even as the sole Unionist candidate (which he won't be).

Unionism in North Down needs to have a urgent rethink.

The TUV is distancing itself from:

- Jamie Bryson

- The 'aspiration' of running in all constituencies.

- Reminders that Reform members voted for the Protocol/WF

- Solutions/Making NI work

- The overwhelming majority of Unionists

- Realism

A serious party of unity.....

Nobody has done more to further Naomi Long's political career than this guy and the TUV in East Belfast so this move makes complete sense, Avengers Assemble

Jamie Bryson standing in East Belfast as a proxy TUV/Reform candidate will be an excellent opportunity for Unionists to soundly reject his overarching influence that is entirely corrosive and divisive.

I also suspect that this intervention will give Gavin Robinson a boost.

Timmy Mallett is deservedly getting a lot of praise for vibrantly promoting NI and its people. It's worth comparing with the professionals at Northern Ireland and their limited output of general blandness. Surely we can better promote NI, its quirks and many fascinating people.

Regarding pacts, it signals a fundamental problem within Unionism that it's struggling in ND and EB. Also, a lack of ambition in FST where it's only 50 votes behind but isn't interested. Toxicity, division and failing to inspire an unenthused electorate are critical factors.

The TUV could not buy the level of publicity they are given across local media platforms. For a party that has been soundly rejected at the polls since its existence, the soft power that local media affords it is both incredible and unjustified.

Fermanagh woman previously bed-bound for 12 years climbs Cuilcagh mountain

impartialreporter.com/news/24229355.…

It should be possible for those who support Israel to be able to condemn their indiscriminate bombing campaign and for those who support Palestine to be able to condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas. It's alarming that so many in the international community can't do this.

The hills of Donegal.

The photographs don't do it justice, a beautiful county.

With so much said over the last few days, I do think that Gavin Robinson deserves some credit. Thrust into a position that nobody would want in the worst possible circumstances, he's conducted himself very well.

Police statement on ongoing commentary on social media platforms.

After 18 years service it was a bitter sweet last night as an Officer with Magheragall Boys Brigade. It’s been a privilege to work with some fabulous boys and young men over these years.

Thanks to all the officers, but especially Captain Mark Priestley and fellow officer Chris

Dreadful news about the Princess of Wales. Today's video should not have been required for what is a very personal matter. Those cranks and elements of the media who demanded this by pedalling endless conspiracy theories for weeks should feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

I think there's a need for some fresh thinking within 'Unionist commentary'. There are many great commentators but most pivot around self-criticism. Introspection is necessary, but Unionists are missing a voice on mainstream platforms when a pro-Union case is continually absent.

The perfect way to end St Patrick's Day.

The TUV is intent on reducing the number of seats held by unionists at WM. Their toxicity and sense of hopelessness is also likely to result in even lower unionist turnouts. Big problems for Unionism. One certainty, the TUV won't be around afterwards to deal with the fallout.