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18/10/2001
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive.
Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
Explaining his decision Mr Trimble said: “The time for negotiations was a long time ago. There are no discussions. There are no negotiations. We take this decision with no pleasure, it has been a long time in coming. Ever since the IRA failed to keep its promise to put its weapons beyond use this problem became inevitable.”
Mr Trimble said that it was now over to the Secretary of State, Dr John Reid to move the make next move.
The UUP announcement follows last minute talks with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, Mark Durkan - leader in waiting of the SDLP and the Democratic Unionist Party leader Reverend Ian Paisley on Thursday in an attempt to save Northern Ireland's political institutions.
Dr John Reid’s hand has now been forced. The Northern Ireland Secretary will now be faced with the option of suspending the administration and triggering a review of the Belfast Agreement or reintroducing direct rule from Westminster.
However, there is a short time frame in which UUP ministers could be reinstalled without the institutions collapsing. Mr Trimble said today that his ministers would rejoin the Executive immediately if the IRA began “actual decommissioning in a meaningful and verifiable manner.” (AMcE)
Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
Explaining his decision Mr Trimble said: “The time for negotiations was a long time ago. There are no discussions. There are no negotiations. We take this decision with no pleasure, it has been a long time in coming. Ever since the IRA failed to keep its promise to put its weapons beyond use this problem became inevitable.”
Mr Trimble said that it was now over to the Secretary of State, Dr John Reid to move the make next move.
The UUP announcement follows last minute talks with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, Mark Durkan - leader in waiting of the SDLP and the Democratic Unionist Party leader Reverend Ian Paisley on Thursday in an attempt to save Northern Ireland's political institutions.
Dr John Reid’s hand has now been forced. The Northern Ireland Secretary will now be faced with the option of suspending the administration and triggering a review of the Belfast Agreement or reintroducing direct rule from Westminster.
However, there is a short time frame in which UUP ministers could be reinstalled without the institutions collapsing. Mr Trimble said today that his ministers would rejoin the Executive immediately if the IRA began “actual decommissioning in a meaningful and verifiable manner.” (AMcE)
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08 October 2001
UUP to walk from assembly if Sinn Féin exclusion motion fails
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21 September 2004
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
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SDLP Proposes Zero Pay For MLAs Who Block Appointment Of A Speaker
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Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
