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Hello and welcome to Political Thinking, a conversation with someone who shapes our political

thinking about what has shaped theirs, their background, their views and their values.

This week we heard talk of a political crisis. We've heard talk of an election within weeks,

talk to of trouble on the streets.

More than Ireland is once again facing that political crisis.

And the cause is said to be around about Brexit and the trading arrangements which have

left supermarkets shelves empty and produced warnings that people simply may not be able

to get the things they want come Christmas time.

It has come about too because of a speech by the new leader of the DUP, Sir Geoffrey Donaldson,

a man who grew up under the shadow of the troubles of the violence that claimed the lives

of several members of his own family.

Sir Geoffrey Donaldson, thank you for joining us on Political Thinking.

Thank you, Nick.

We are speaking hours after you delivered what our suspect will be the most important

speech of your career so far.

And I want to understand the background too.

It do really believe, as you said, that the union, the place of Northern Ireland in the

United Kingdom is at stake now.

Well, first of all, greetings from Belfast and it's a pleasure to be on your podcast.

Yes, I really do believe that, Nick.

I'm, as you say, passionate about the union.

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