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16/06/2003
SF hit out at UUC meeting
Leading Sinn Fein member, Martin McGuinness has claimed tonight's sitting of the 900-strong Ulster Unionist ruling council is an attempt by the party to renegotiate the Good Friday Agreement (GFA).
The Mid-Ulster MP claimed the meeting was not about building "partnership and inclusivity" but about "tactics to be employed by unionists to prevent change".
The meeting was called after Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson criticised the party leadership, including leader David Trimble, over proposals linked to the recent British-Irish Joint Declaration.
Mr McGuinness said: "Whatever the result of the UUC meeting tonight, unionism has to come to terms with the reality that there will be no renegotiation of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The GFA is about people's basic rights and entitlements. About human rights and equality – these rights are non negotiable. They cannot be subject to a unionist veto.
"Unionist political leaders have to realise that the days of second class citizenship are over."
Tonight's meeting was called for by Jeffrey Donaldson after it was claimed that the future of the Royal Irish Regiment was linked to the recent Joint Declaration.
Mr Trimble says he has not endorsed the Declaration because it depended on acts of completion by republicans.
However, Mr Donaldson has rejected this claim and said that if the motion does not go his way he will resign for the party.
If he wins, many believe David Trimble will face an attempt to table a vote of no confidence.
(MB)
The Mid-Ulster MP claimed the meeting was not about building "partnership and inclusivity" but about "tactics to be employed by unionists to prevent change".
The meeting was called after Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson criticised the party leadership, including leader David Trimble, over proposals linked to the recent British-Irish Joint Declaration.
Mr McGuinness said: "Whatever the result of the UUC meeting tonight, unionism has to come to terms with the reality that there will be no renegotiation of the Good Friday Agreement.
"The GFA is about people's basic rights and entitlements. About human rights and equality – these rights are non negotiable. They cannot be subject to a unionist veto.
"Unionist political leaders have to realise that the days of second class citizenship are over."
Tonight's meeting was called for by Jeffrey Donaldson after it was claimed that the future of the Royal Irish Regiment was linked to the recent Joint Declaration.
Mr Trimble says he has not endorsed the Declaration because it depended on acts of completion by republicans.
However, Mr Donaldson has rejected this claim and said that if the motion does not go his way he will resign for the party.
If he wins, many believe David Trimble will face an attempt to table a vote of no confidence.
(MB)
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UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
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UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
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Trimble faces vote of no confidence in Tuesday meeting
David Trimble tonight faces a vote of no confidence in his position of MP for Upper Bann as unionists gather to discuss the issue in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening. The meeting follows last month's move by dissident unionists within the Ulster Unionist Party who raised 30 signatures for a motion of no confidence in Mr Trimble.
Trimble faces vote of no confidence in Tuesday meeting
David Trimble tonight faces a vote of no confidence in his position of MP for Upper Bann as unionists gather to discuss the issue in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening. The meeting follows last month's move by dissident unionists within the Ulster Unionist Party who raised 30 signatures for a motion of no confidence in Mr Trimble.
16 November 2001
Trimble bids to quell unrest in party
Ulster Unionist leaders are to attempt to convince the party’s hard line members not to call a meeting of the Ulster Unionist Party’s ruling council.
Trimble bids to quell unrest in party
Ulster Unionist leaders are to attempt to convince the party’s hard line members not to call a meeting of the Ulster Unionist Party’s ruling council.
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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.
