Nearly half of voters opposed to deal between Theresa May and DUP - poll
2 min read
Almost half the public have a dim view of the DUP and would oppose any deal they strike with Theresa May to prop up her government, a new poll has shown.
Just 8% had a favourable view of the party - which has been condemned over its stance on abortion and LGBT rights - while 48% had a favourable view, according to a YouGov survey for the Times.
The Prime Minister has been forced to turn to the DUP for a so-called “confidence and supply” deal after she lost her majority at the general election last week.
The arrangement would secure the support of the Northern Irish party in key Commons votes as Mrs May tries to lead a minority Conservative government.
But the poll showed just 27% of the public would support the deal and 48% would oppose it - with 44% saying it would be worse than the Tories trying to govern alone.
Yesterday DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds refused to set a deadline for the deal - despite the Prime Minister announcing the Queen’s Speech will go ahead next Wednesday.
He said “timetables and deadlines” could be “somewhat counter-productive” as he addressed reporters in Downing Street after talks.
"It's quite proper that a date for the Queen's Speech should be set and that should proceed but that's separate from the discussions that we're having now,” he added.
The party has come under close scrutiny for its opposition to abortion, same sex marriage and other LGBT rights, as well as its scepticism of climate change.
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams yesterday warned a deal between the Government and the DUP would be "in clear breach of the Good Friday Agreement".
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