Gavin Robinson MP calls for ‘common sense over ideology’ in DUP New Year message

DUP Leader Gavin Robinson shared a family photo with wife Lindsay and son Reuben

The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Gavin Robinson MP, has used his New Year message to call for a renewed focus on economic stability, public services and “common sense” politics as Northern Ireland enters 2026.

Setting out what he described as a clear choice for the year ahead, Mr Robinson said Northern Ireland stood “at a junction”, urging political leaders to prioritise delivery over division and responsibility over rhetoric.

“As we begin 2026, Northern Ireland stands at a junction,” he said.

“We can choose responsibility over rhetoric, delivery over distraction, and common sense over ideology. Or we can allow our politics to be consumed by fashionable causes that do little for the people who live and work here.”

The DUP leader said his party remained “unashamedly focused on making Northern Ireland work”, with an emphasis on supporting working families and strengthening the economy. He argued that government energy should be directed towards practical outcomes rather than what he described as “performative politics”.

“Our priority is supporting working families and strengthening our economy. That is where government effort should be directed, not towards performative politics or endless divisive border poll agitation with a random date that has moved from 2016 to 2030 to 2036 like the proverbial goalposts,” he said.

Mr Robinson criticised what he described as an increasing fixation on constitutional debate at the expense of day-to-day issues affecting households and communities.

“Too often, the loudest voices are not concerned with hospitals, schools or policing, but with talking up a border poll and dismantling Northern Ireland itself,” he said.

“Sinn Fein’s focus increasingly lies elsewhere. Our focus is here, on the people who rely on functioning public services and a stable economy. Northern Ireland deserves leadership committed to improving this place, not running it down.”

He also reaffirmed the DUP’s position on devolution, warning against attempts to weaken cross-community consent within Stormont.

“We will also continue to challenge those who seek to undermine the very foundations of devolution,” Mr Robinson said.

“Cross-community consent is not an inconvenience to be brushed aside when it becomes awkward. It is a safeguard that protects stability and inclusion.”

He added that efforts to dilute those protections risked “majority rule by the back door”, stressing that political institutions can only function with the willing participation of all sides.

Turning to climate policy, the DUP leader said there was a growing gap between ideology and everyday reality, particularly for working households.

“There is also a growing disconnect in politics between ideology and reality,” he said. “We see it in climate policy driven by conference culture rather than common sense.”

He warned against policies that risk higher household costs and job losses, stating:

“Working families should not be forced to pay higher electricity bills, fuel prices or lose livelihoods so politicians can chase applause on the international stage.”

Mr Robinson also criticised what he described as an unwillingness among political leaders to speak plainly on cultural and social issues.

“We see the same disconnect in a political culture increasingly afraid to speak plainly about basic biological facts,” he said.

“When leaders cannot affirm simple realities such as what a woman is without ideological caveats, they have lost their way.”

He said voters in Northern Ireland expected practical, grounded leadership, particularly at a time of global uncertainty.

“In a world that is becoming more unstable and uncertain, Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom matters more than ever. It provides security and stability,” he said.

“Our future is best protected by serious leadership rooted in reality, not by gestures or grandstanding.”

Alongside the political message, Mr Robinson also paid tribute to frontline workers who continued to serve communities throughout the holiday period.

“As the year begins, I want to thank those who continue to serve our community throughout the holidays, in healthcare, policing, emergency services, transport, retail and hospitality. Your commitment does not go unnoticed,” he said.

Concluding his message on a personal note, the DUP leader expressed hope for a shift in political tone during the year ahead.

“My hope for 2026 is a change of direction, towards realism over radicalism and politics grounded firmly in common sense,” he said.

“From Lindsay, Reuben and I, I wish you and your family a peaceful New Year and every blessing for the year ahead.”