David Shiels: A bad election for Ulster unionism, but not an augur of a border poll

The DUP and UUP are struggling adapt to the Province’s changing political circumstances, and the Alliance are the main beneficiaries.

David Shiels: What a Conservative election win and a quick Brexit would mean for the Union

The third piece in our mini-series says that in the words of the Scottish manifesto, the party needs to be prepared to ‘think strategically’ about the future of the Union.

David Shiels: An anti-DUP pact within an anti-Brexit pact is shaping Northern Ireland’s election

The second piece in our new mini-series looks at the strange bedfellows and hard choices for unionists, nationalists, Leavers and Remainers alike.

David Shiels: The Conservative Party needs a new plan to defend the Union

The first piece in a new mini-series looks at the challenges posed across the four nations by 2019’s political melee.

David Shiels: Here’s how the Government should meet the challenges of No Deal

Open Europe’s new report offers a clear-eyed assessment of the practical and political hurdles the Prime Minister may face.

David Shiels: What now are the chances of unstopping the backstop?

The Irish Government have failed to grasp the extent to which unionist concerns would be listened in London.

David Shiels: Will the DUP move?

In the end, it may well prefer to hold out for a general election – and the likelihood of a Brexit delay – in the hope that something better turns up.

David Shiels: What to look for in Ulster’s fiercely competitive European election

Ultimately, they may reveal less about Brexit and more about the longer-term trends in Northern Ireland’s political landscape.

David Shiels: European Parliamentary elections would pose problems for the main parties. But especially for the Conservatives.

New polling for Open Europe shows that the Tories have special reason to be wary of this consequence of a long extension.

David Shiels: By talking up a No Deal Irish border poll, Ministers are playing into Sinn Fein’s hands

The topic is being discussed – including at Cabinet – but that in itself is not convincing evidence that such a major change is imminent.

David Shiels: Technological solutions. A greater role for the Assembly. How May could yet win over the DUP.

Rather than going over the heads of the Unionist parties, the Government needs to find a way to address their concerns.

David Shiels: Brexit, Northern Ireland, and borders. Why the DUP may yet break ranks with May – and force a general election

The issue of the backstop is becoming more heated and harder to navigate as time goes by.

David Shiels: An Ulster by-election this week – and why abstention is a greater challenge to the Union than Brexit

It knows that it can continue the policy of staying out of the institutions in Belfast and London without damaging its long-term strategy. Unionists need them to work.

David Shiels: The Stormont elections were more a blow to Unionism than the Union

It highlights primarily the increasingly difficulty capital-U Unionism faces appealing to a more diverse, less tribal Northern Ireland.

David Shiels: How Northern Ireland’s Unionist parties are gearing up for the EU Referendum

There’s division, doubt and danger surrounding the prospect of Brexit. What would Unionism look like afterwards?