Menu
18/11/2003
UUP and DUP engage in street slanging match
A slanging match erupted on the streets of east Belfast today after Dr Ian Paisley's DUP unveiled a mobile billboard right outside the Ulster Unionist Party's headquarters.
Dr Paisley and senior members of the Democratic Unionist Party, including Peter Robinson and William McCrea, unveiled the anti-UUP billboard on the doorstep of Ulster Unionist headquarters in Tuesday morning.
However, they where soon confronted by UUP leader David Trimble and fellow party members who began barracking Mr Paisley over his apparent lack of television debate during this month's forthcoming Assembly elections which take place on November 26.
During the 10-minute charade DUP members chanted "Where's Jeffrey?" in reference in Lagan Valley UUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson. An outspoken opponent of Mr Trimble's policies Mr Donaldson this morning unveiled a mini-manifesto.
Dr Paisley said he would choose the time and the place for a debate with Mr Trimble.
The exchange of mild insults continued for several more minutes before Mr Trimble was eventually ushered away in a car.
Speaking after the DUP’s billboard unveiling outside UUP HQ, senior Ulster Unionist Sir Reg Empey described the stunt as a "sign of desperation" on the part of the DUP.
"To deliberately come to another Party’s Headquarters is an act of provocation caused by the repeated challenges from David Trimble for Ian Paisley to debate the issues in front of the people of Ulster.
“His failure, so far, to do so is matched only by the pathetic attempts of his underlings to make excuses for his non-appearance."
Sir Reg re-issued a challenge to Dr Paisley to debate the future of Unionism on prime-time television with Mr Trimble.
(MB/SP)
Dr Paisley and senior members of the Democratic Unionist Party, including Peter Robinson and William McCrea, unveiled the anti-UUP billboard on the doorstep of Ulster Unionist headquarters in Tuesday morning.
However, they where soon confronted by UUP leader David Trimble and fellow party members who began barracking Mr Paisley over his apparent lack of television debate during this month's forthcoming Assembly elections which take place on November 26.
During the 10-minute charade DUP members chanted "Where's Jeffrey?" in reference in Lagan Valley UUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson. An outspoken opponent of Mr Trimble's policies Mr Donaldson this morning unveiled a mini-manifesto.
Dr Paisley said he would choose the time and the place for a debate with Mr Trimble.
The exchange of mild insults continued for several more minutes before Mr Trimble was eventually ushered away in a car.
Speaking after the DUP’s billboard unveiling outside UUP HQ, senior Ulster Unionist Sir Reg Empey described the stunt as a "sign of desperation" on the part of the DUP.
"To deliberately come to another Party’s Headquarters is an act of provocation caused by the repeated challenges from David Trimble for Ian Paisley to debate the issues in front of the people of Ulster.
“His failure, so far, to do so is matched only by the pathetic attempts of his underlings to make excuses for his non-appearance."
Sir Reg re-issued a challenge to Dr Paisley to debate the future of Unionism on prime-time television with Mr Trimble.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
27 November 2024
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
SDLP Backs Calls For Maternity and Children's Hospital Inquiry
The SDLP has backed calls for a full independent inquiry into a new Maternity and Children's Hospital in Belfast. Opposition Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath MLA said it was key to understanding the reasons for spiralling costs on the project.
26 November 2024
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
DUP Calls For Full Independent Inquiry Into Hospital Project
The DUP has called on the Health Minister for a full independent inquiry into the handling of the new regional maternity and children's hospital project.
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".
25 September 2003
Ian Paisley Jnr hits out at prisoner funding
Leading DUP member, Ian Paisley Jnr has hit out at the amount of money prisoner groups have received from Peace 11 funding.
Ian Paisley Jnr hits out at prisoner funding
Leading DUP member, Ian Paisley Jnr has hit out at the amount of money prisoner groups have received from Peace 11 funding.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
