Our Beliefs: Democracy
We believe in the concept of democracy.
We believe that the only way to create a stable and prosperous Northern Ireland is by ensuring that everyone feels that their voice and opinion is important in determining the future of the country.
We believe that democracy means accepting and acting upon the results at the ballot box. Whilst we may not always like what party or which candidate is chosen by any section of the electorate we accept the opinions of the people of Northern Ireland.
We believe that, as democrats, we have a duty to engage, debate and argue with those who may not share the same views as ourselves. Unionism has done itself a great disservice over the years by backing away and leaving the forums where open and honest discussion can take place. Unionists must always be ready to present our political philosophies and beliefs in a positive way and if necessary, to disagree with arguments which we believe to be false and to confront and expose half-truths and lies.
We must, however, be prepared for and welcome genuine challenges to our beliefs; only when we fully understand the arguments against our political philosophy can we carry out the constant self-analysis and revision which is essential for any such philosophy to survive, develop and prosper.