Menu
21/08/2003
UUP again seek legal advice on internal strife
A number of the Ulster Unionist Party’s top figures were meeting today in an effort to finds ways to patch up deep divisions within the party on current policy.
It is understood that some of those attending the meeting of members disaffected by party policy were a number of individuals previously loyal to UUP leader David Trimble.
An earlier entirely separate approach by Sir Reg Empey and Jim Rodgers has apparently been shelved as the gulf between pro-agreement and anti-agreement figures shows no signs of being bridged.
Two of the three dissident Ulster Unionist MPs who resigned the party whip in the House of Commons in June, the Rev Martin Smyth and Jeffery Donaldson may also be facing additional disciplinary action by the party as they hold the offices of party president and vice-president respectively within the UUP hierarchy.
A fractious two-hour meeting of party officers on Wednesday evening saw the matter heading back to the hands of legal counsel as the divisive issue rumbles on. Party Chairman James Cooper confirmed that legal advice was to be sought on whether the Ulster Unionist Council, the party’s ruling body, can decide not to hold meetings and whether its powers encompass disciplinary procedures.
A further meeting is expected to be held on Tuesday August 26.
The three MPs formally declined to accept the party whip over the UUP Council’s stance on refusing to reject the British and Irish government’s Joint Declaration which was presented by Mr Blair and Mr Ahern as the basis for a reconstitution of the currently suspended NI assembly.
The case last visited the courts in July when The High Court in Belfast ruled that the party’s suspension of three MPs was “invalid”.
(SP)
It is understood that some of those attending the meeting of members disaffected by party policy were a number of individuals previously loyal to UUP leader David Trimble.
An earlier entirely separate approach by Sir Reg Empey and Jim Rodgers has apparently been shelved as the gulf between pro-agreement and anti-agreement figures shows no signs of being bridged.
Two of the three dissident Ulster Unionist MPs who resigned the party whip in the House of Commons in June, the Rev Martin Smyth and Jeffery Donaldson may also be facing additional disciplinary action by the party as they hold the offices of party president and vice-president respectively within the UUP hierarchy.
A fractious two-hour meeting of party officers on Wednesday evening saw the matter heading back to the hands of legal counsel as the divisive issue rumbles on. Party Chairman James Cooper confirmed that legal advice was to be sought on whether the Ulster Unionist Council, the party’s ruling body, can decide not to hold meetings and whether its powers encompass disciplinary procedures.
A further meeting is expected to be held on Tuesday August 26.
The three MPs formally declined to accept the party whip over the UUP Council’s stance on refusing to reject the British and Irish government’s Joint Declaration which was presented by Mr Blair and Mr Ahern as the basis for a reconstitution of the currently suspended NI assembly.
The case last visited the courts in July when The High Court in Belfast ruled that the party’s suspension of three MPs was “invalid”.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
Three Arrested in L'Derry For Drug Offences
Police in L'Derry have arrested three people and seized drugs worth an estimated £600. The arrests were made following a proactive policing operation in the city. On Monday, 18 November, officers observed suspicious behaviour from a 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in the Strand Road area.
19 November 2024
Three Arrested In Connection With £250,000 Drug Seizure
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have made a significant drug seizure, arresting three individuals and recovering approximately £250,000 worth of suspected Class B controlled drugs. The arrests were made on Monday, 18 November, following a series of operations.
Three Arrested In Connection With £250,000 Drug Seizure
Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit have made a significant drug seizure, arresting three individuals and recovering approximately £250,000 worth of suspected Class B controlled drugs. The arrests were made on Monday, 18 November, following a series of operations.
03 January 2007
Former UUP MP dies aged 81
Former Ulster Unionist MP Cecil Walker has died today after suffering a heart attack. The MP for north Belfast between 1983 and 2001, Sir Cecil lost his seat to the DUP's Nigel Dodds. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Walker family at this sad time.
Former UUP MP dies aged 81
Former Ulster Unionist MP Cecil Walker has died today after suffering a heart attack. The MP for north Belfast between 1983 and 2001, Sir Cecil lost his seat to the DUP's Nigel Dodds. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Sir Reg Empey said: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Walker family at this sad time.
07 August 2001
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
04 October 2023
UUP Supports New Campaign For Youth Voter Registration
The Ulster Unionist Party has expressed its support for a new campaign to drive youth voter registration through the post-16 curriculum. Highlighting that the UUP supports reducing the voting age to 16, Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler, has welcomed the new Feminism in School campaign.
UUP Supports New Campaign For Youth Voter Registration
The Ulster Unionist Party has expressed its support for a new campaign to drive youth voter registration through the post-16 curriculum. Highlighting that the UUP supports reducing the voting age to 16, Education spokesperson, Robbie Butler, has welcomed the new Feminism in School campaign.
-
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.
