How not to deny a story
There have been rumours in political circles for a few days that UCUNF might be considering running a bright young man involved in PR with political connections in North Down. Then this morning the Daily Mirror reported that Alliance's recent European candidate Ian Parsley might be about to join the Ulster Unionists and take up a job at a David Cameron backed think tank.
Mr Parsley responded on his blog As a fellow blogger Ian is obviously computer savvy, but he really should have had a word with Declan O'Loan about the perils of not deleting material on the end of your message before you press the send button.
Because an e-mail emphasising his blog message also contained information from a Conservative party official, who appeared to be keeping prospective parliamentary candidates informed on the continuing selection process.
The potential MPs (including one Ian Parsley) were updated on a sample campaign plan from North East Somerset, a letter from David Cameron, a survey used by the Tories in Norwich North, and a Conservative "Lifestyle Magazine".
All of which leaves me looking forward to Ian's clarification this afternoon, and even more to getting my copy of the "Lifestyle Magazine" in mid November. I am hoping it's got at least one article about Ian and maybe another about his other half Paula Bradshaw who is thought to be interested in standing for the Ulster Unionists in South Belfast.
UPDATE: At 3pm on Friday Ian Parsley confirmed that he was leaving the Aliiance "with a heavy heart" and joining the Conservatives. He made the announcement at the office in Weavers Court in Belfast which, ironically enough, the Conservatives rent from the veteran Alliance councillor Tom Eykyn.
I'm 
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