On the 27th of May, Edwin Poots became leader of the DUP. Yesterday, on the same day his party elected a new First Minster for Northern Ireland. Poots resigned his role. His party seems to be imploding. For context, Brian Clough's calamitous reign as Leeds manager lasted 44 days. Poots made it three full weeks before being gobbled up by seismic divisions in the party, the same divisions which ended Arlene Foster's stint as DUP leader and First Leader in the North.
For those repelled by the DUP's stance on gay rights, the Irish language and abortion, the news was met with a mixture of astonishment and hilarity on social media.
Many people were comparing the shortness of Edwin Poots's term as DUP leader to other historical events, like the creation of the universe.
To be fair to Edwin Poots, he was DUP leader for a full two weeks longer than it took to create the universe.
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) June 18, 2021
Edwin Poots' 20 day stint as DUP leader in his 6,000 year old world, is the equivalent of 37,500 years in our 4.5 billion year old world.
— Conall ☮️ (@Antifa_TD) June 17, 2021
There were so helpful suggestions for replacements for Poots. Sam Allardyce was a leading contender.
DUP should get Sam Allardyce in as caretaker. Steady the ship till the end of the season. See who is available in transfer window and take it from there
— Neil Delamere (@neildelamere) June 17, 2021
Many noted that the timing of the DUP implosion during Pride Month was just perfect.
The DUP falling apart during Pride Month just feels right
— Kurtis Dickson (@kurtis_dickson) June 17, 2021
Watching the DUP fall apart during Pride Month pic.twitter.com/Y3d6Ag8dyR
— SHANE REACTION (@imshanereaction) June 17, 2021
Let's all take a wee minute to applaud the person who hung their Pride Flag out the window beside DUP HQ 👏👏👏👏👏👏✊🏳️🌈
Standing ovation#DUPMeltdown #TimeForEquality 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/QLZ92pE580— Louise Mathews (@LouMathews) June 17, 2021
And, of course, many were thinking of recently-deposed First Minister Arlene Foster.
"20 days!! God I've had library books out longer"#poots #DUPMeltdown #dup pic.twitter.com/MRUsanVHsS
— Gerry McK (@GMcK2012) June 17, 2021
After a few scoops tonight #DUPMeltdown pic.twitter.com/C1b0UmonRw
— Padraig OBrien (@padnandos1) June 17, 2021
Poots's resignation statement read:
I have asked the Party Chairman to commence an electoral process within the Party to allow for a new leader of the Democratic Unionist Party to be elected.
"The Party has asked me to remain in post until my successor is elected.
"This has been a difficult period for the Party and the country and I have conveyed to the Chairman my determination to do everything I can to ensure both Unionism and Northern Ireland is able to move forward to a stronger place.”
Jeffrey Donaldson is seen as the most likely successor to Poots, but at this stage, literally anything seems possible.
SEE ALSO: Joe Brolly Debate With Gregory Campbell About The GAA and The DUP Is Important Viewing
