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10/10/2001
Trimble lays down gauntlet at Conservative conference
The Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has attacked Tony Blair’s handling of the Northern Ireland peace process in a speech to the Conservative Party Conference.
Addressing the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool on Wednesday October 10, Mr Trimble said the problem was Labour’s reluctance to seize the initiative.
The Unionist Leader also said Mr Blair’s party “must be prepared to move” on the political scale in order to remove the element within Labour that is “sympathetic to Irish Nationalism”.
He said: “If the response to Bin Laden and the Taleban is clear –cut, unfortunately at home in Northern Ireland, the positions is not so clear. The problem is uncertainty and the government’s reluctance to grasp the nettle.”
Mr Trimble said: “The real challenge, however, is for New Labour and Tony Blair. Mr Blair made a good beginning on Northern Ireland. Without him there would not have been an Agreement in April 1998. But then came the implementation. Understandably he left much of that to others. To an extent he took his eye off the ball. Expediency slithered into appeasement. Confidence in the Agreement ebbed as people felt that concessions were all one way."
Concluding his speech Mr Trimble said: “There is the chance now to recover. The paramilitaries can be faced down – the Assembly stabilised. It is often said that we are the prisoners of history. But the key is on the outside. Mr Blair it is time to turn it.”
Northern Ireland’s devolved government is currently facing another crisis with the likely suspension of the power-sharing institutions over the deadlock on the weapons issue.
On Monday, following the failure of a UUP bid to exclude Sinn Féin, Mr Trimble announced that his party would boycott meetings of the executive and withdraw its ministers from the assembly next week. (AMcE)
Addressing the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool on Wednesday October 10, Mr Trimble said the problem was Labour’s reluctance to seize the initiative.
The Unionist Leader also said Mr Blair’s party “must be prepared to move” on the political scale in order to remove the element within Labour that is “sympathetic to Irish Nationalism”.
He said: “If the response to Bin Laden and the Taleban is clear –cut, unfortunately at home in Northern Ireland, the positions is not so clear. The problem is uncertainty and the government’s reluctance to grasp the nettle.”
Mr Trimble said: “The real challenge, however, is for New Labour and Tony Blair. Mr Blair made a good beginning on Northern Ireland. Without him there would not have been an Agreement in April 1998. But then came the implementation. Understandably he left much of that to others. To an extent he took his eye off the ball. Expediency slithered into appeasement. Confidence in the Agreement ebbed as people felt that concessions were all one way."
Concluding his speech Mr Trimble said: “There is the chance now to recover. The paramilitaries can be faced down – the Assembly stabilised. It is often said that we are the prisoners of history. But the key is on the outside. Mr Blair it is time to turn it.”
Northern Ireland’s devolved government is currently facing another crisis with the likely suspension of the power-sharing institutions over the deadlock on the weapons issue.
On Monday, following the failure of a UUP bid to exclude Sinn Féin, Mr Trimble announced that his party would boycott meetings of the executive and withdraw its ministers from the assembly next week. (AMcE)
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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".
05 December 2008
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
18 October 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.
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.
19 June 2001
REID HOLDS POLITICAL TALKS IN BELFAST
NORTHERN Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid has held talks with the province’s smaller pro-agreement political parties. He met the Alliance Party, the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP) and the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition (NIWC).
REID HOLDS POLITICAL TALKS IN BELFAST
NORTHERN Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid has held talks with the province’s smaller pro-agreement political parties. He met the Alliance Party, the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP) and the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition (NIWC).
09 December 2002
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
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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.
