Deirdre Heenan: Poots of derision as the DUP cannibalises itself with relish

The party’s new leader has endured a brutally tough start to his tenure, with resignations and walkouts the order of the day

Edwin Poots is off to a disastrous start as DUP leader. Picture: PA

To suggest that Edwin Poots has had an inauspicious start to his leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party is the understatement of the year.

Generally, new political leaders begin their tenure with a honeymoon period, during which they can bask in the glow of unconditional love from their supporters and ease themselves into office.

But even before Poots officially became DUP leader, he faced a barrage of criticism and ridicule, largely emanating from within his ...