Political theatre 'could backfire'

Political analyst said performances had become more important

Political stunts by Northern Ireland's assembly candidates could backfire, a leading analyst has said.

Theatrical-style politics has bred distrust among the electorate following the failure to reach agreement last month, according to University of Ulster academic Paul Dixon.

Northern Ireland Assembly elections are to go ahead on 26 November, despite a breakdown in negotiations between the political parties.

Negotiations have failed to bridge the gap between Ulster Unionist demands for clarity over the IRA's third arms move and the IRA's reluctance to spell out in more detail what weaponry had been decommissioned.

Dr Dixon said the failed choreography employed by key political players and the British and Irish governments at crunch times in the peace process had created a culture of public scepticism "which may have an impact in the polls".

"Last month's fiasco appears to have been designed to deliver a major push to the peace process and reassure unionism that the 'war is over'," he said.

"But the choreography, which has been used before to establish a performance, which various actors would perform to the applause of their key audiences, broke down.

Politicians have manipulated rather than persuaded public opinion, trying to lead it towards an accommodation while at the same time maintaining their political popularity Dr Paul Dixon University of Ulster

"It remains to be seen whether this particular dance can be revived in time to win over unionism to support pro-Agreement parties.

"In a short time we will know what impact this fiasco has had on the audience - who will on 26 November get their chance to deliver their verdict on what they have seen on the political stage."

The political analyst said "performances" had become more important as politicians competed for attention and the support of the audience.

"The drama becomes more heightened in an election period as politicians try to persuade voters to support them. The curtain is rising on a new scene in Northern Irish politics."

Dr Dixon outlined examples of what he described as party theatricals.

These included the SDLP's Joe Hendron binning a copy of a report from former Sinn Fein Health Minister Bairbre de Brun; DUP leader Ian Paisley unveiling a 'Battle Bus' with images of his party candidates, and UUP leader David Trimble being filmed in front of a Mini - the latest symbol chosen by the UUP as part of their 'Simply British' slogan.

Dr Dixon said the problems facing pro-Agreement parties in the run-up to the election for the hearts and minds of voters could "be traced to the overuse of spin by politicians and the British and Irish governments to save the peace process".

"Politicians have manipulated rather than persuaded public opinion, trying to lead it towards an accommodation while at the same time maintaining their political popularity."

He said the performance of parties in the polls would not be helped by a low turnout.