When strategic links emerged between sections of unionism and Nigel Farage, the deeply contentious figure who leads the right-wing Reform UK party, in the run-up to this week’s general election, they were laughed off in some quarters.
It has since become clear that serious matters are involved which have the potential to result in hugely negative consequences in a wider debate not only on both sides of the Irish Sea but also across Europe.
Mr Farage, a close associate and admirer of Donald Trump, caused consternation last week when he suggested that the EU and Nato had provoked Russia’s horrifying invasion of Ukraine by allegedly expanding eastwards.
Ukraine is a country with an unusual history, which has always had a tense relationship with Russia, but there was never any justification for Vladimir Putin’s effective declaration of war on his neighbour in 2022.
It is hard to be certain about how many casualties have followed, but it is widely believed that the overall death toll is well in excess of 200,000, a shocking total which is still increasing steadily,
Refugees from Ukraine have also flooded across the continent, with more than 100,000 arriving in Ireland, north and south, and every other western European country struggling with the disastrous impact of Russian aggression.
Putin’s decision to abandon diplomatic structures in favour of a military adventure was plainly in breach of both international law and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as having catastrophic humanitarian results, so it is essential that all responsible voices press him to change his stance and negotiate an immediate ceasefire.
It was appalling that Mr Farage, who remains on the fringe of mainstream British politics but may yet get himself elected to the House of Commons at his eighth attempt, could instead openly sympathise with Mr Putin, and it can only be a matter of deep concern that Sammy Wilson of the DUP should express similar sentiments.
There were some bizarre recent developments when Jim Allister’s Traditional Unionist Voice announced a partnership with Reform UK, only for Mr Farage to instead endorse the TUV’s direct rivals in Mr Wilson and Ian Paisley Junior from the DUP.
Mr Wilson then reciprocated by endorsing Mr Farage’s intervention over Ukraine, days before a storm erupted over openly racist outbursts, including blatantly offensive references to UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, from other Reform UK figures.
It is a matter for the people of Britain if they want elect Mr Farage or his party colleagues to play even a minority role at Westminster, but the dark influence of Reform UK, and those who share its thinking, is not wanted in any part of Ireland.
