Brexit deal: The DUP's uncomfortable rift with business
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DUP leader Arlene Foster was once NI's economy minister
The DUP has always seen itself as "the party of the economy".
For 10 years of the last Northern Ireland Executive, it held the jobs portfolio throughout. The post was its favourite pick.
Incidentally, the last man to hold it, Simon Hamilton, refuses to say if he voted for Brexit.
But now, with the business lobby broadly backing the Brexit deal, a public rift has developed.
It peaked with Sammy Wilson's 'puppet' remarks.
Make no mistake, this disharmony will be a source of considerable annoyance to Arlene Foster.
As economy minister, she swept through factories making investment announcements on a regular basis.
But woe betide any business boss who appeared in the media critical of policy.
Bro McFerran, former managing director of Allstate, was dressed down in the assembly for doubting whether Corporation Tax devolution would deliver.
Sammy Wilson, seen here at a Brexit event in October, has criticised business and farming groups
And many a boardroom figure can also attest to an angry phone call from her then spad (special advisor) Andrew Crawford.
Discussion - even disagreements - were fine, as long as it did not involve "speaking out".
In truth, there has probably been a bit of distance developing for a while on both sides.
No DUP politician, for example, was at the CBI's annual dinner in Belfast in April - it was the only major business body to back remain in 2016.
Many other business organisations, like the NI Chamber of Commerce, were neutral in the EU Referendum.
Pragmatism
That Theresa May's withdrawal deal has now drawn out positions is largely down to pragmatism.
The number one priority for business is avoiding a no-deal exit - and what is on the table is currently it.
The rift will, of course, mend, sooner or later.
That process could begin as early as next week, with Mrs Foster seeking a meeting with members of the NI Chamber of Commerce.
- Published22 November 2018
