Menu
20/04/2005
DUP now the mainstream unionist party - Donaldson
Lagan Valley DUP Westminster candidate Jeffrey Donaldson has claimed that his party is now the mainstream unionist party in Northern Ireland.
Speaking on Wednesday, the former UUP member denied his party was “extremist”, as it has been labelled by UUP leader David Trimble.
“To label the DUP as ‘extremists’ is a ludicrous accusation,” Mr Donaldson said. “Over the past number of years the DUP has been uniting unionists right across the Province. We are the only people who are able to lead for unionism and far from being on the extremes we are the mainstream unionist party.
“Unionism is revitalised and confident for the first time in decades and our position is being vindicated by traditional unionists everywhere.”
Responding, UUP Chief Whip Roy Beggs said the DUP “remain on the extreme right of British politics”.
“The DUP are a party of opposition and one of the 'far right' in British politics,” the Ulster Unionist candidate for East Antrim said. “Their core message has always been based on fear and opposition, and voiced in the rhetoric of sectarian sound bites and heckling. That is the reality in the ground in my constituency.”
(MB/GB)
Speaking on Wednesday, the former UUP member denied his party was “extremist”, as it has been labelled by UUP leader David Trimble.
“To label the DUP as ‘extremists’ is a ludicrous accusation,” Mr Donaldson said. “Over the past number of years the DUP has been uniting unionists right across the Province. We are the only people who are able to lead for unionism and far from being on the extremes we are the mainstream unionist party.
“Unionism is revitalised and confident for the first time in decades and our position is being vindicated by traditional unionists everywhere.”
Responding, UUP Chief Whip Roy Beggs said the DUP “remain on the extreme right of British politics”.
“The DUP are a party of opposition and one of the 'far right' in British politics,” the Ulster Unionist candidate for East Antrim said. “Their core message has always been based on fear and opposition, and voiced in the rhetoric of sectarian sound bites and heckling. That is the reality in the ground in my constituency.”
(MB/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 December 2003
Mixed responses to Donaldson's departure
The decision by rebel Ulster Unionist MP Jeffery Donaldson to leave the party has been welcomed by some supporters of UUP leader David Trimble. The hardline anti-Good Friday Agreement MP announced his decision to leave the party along with two other Assembly members, Norah Beare and Arlene Foster who were also elected on an Ulster Unionist ticket.
Mixed responses to Donaldson's departure
The decision by rebel Ulster Unionist MP Jeffery Donaldson to leave the party has been welcomed by some supporters of UUP leader David Trimble. The hardline anti-Good Friday Agreement MP announced his decision to leave the party along with two other Assembly members, Norah Beare and Arlene Foster who were also elected on an Ulster Unionist ticket.
28 May 2021
UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members
New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.
UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members
New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.
02 September 2015
DUP Proposal To Suspend Assembly Rejected
A DUP proposal that the Northern Ireland Assembly should not meet over the next four weeks has been rejected. DUP leader Peter Robinson met with Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street on Tuesday and discussed for Sinn Féin to be excluded from the Executive.
DUP Proposal To Suspend Assembly Rejected
A DUP proposal that the Northern Ireland Assembly should not meet over the next four weeks has been rejected. DUP leader Peter Robinson met with Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street on Tuesday and discussed for Sinn Féin to be excluded from the Executive.
13 November 2012
Independent Joins DUP
An Independent Councillor has joined the Democratic Unionist Party. Alderman Frank McCoubrey, who has represented the Court area of Belfast since 1997, is a former Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff of Belfast. He said: "I have had the privilege of representing the Court Electoral Area since 1997.
Independent Joins DUP
An Independent Councillor has joined the Democratic Unionist Party. Alderman Frank McCoubrey, who has represented the Court area of Belfast since 1997, is a former Deputy Lord Mayor and High Sheriff of Belfast. He said: "I have had the privilege of representing the Court Electoral Area since 1997.
06 January 2004
War of words erupt between Trimble and Donaldson
A war of words erupted today between Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble and Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson. It follows Mr Donaldson's high profile defection from the Ulster Unionist Party to the Democratic Unionist Party on Monday.
War of words erupt between Trimble and Donaldson
A war of words erupted today between Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble and Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson. It follows Mr Donaldson's high profile defection from the Ulster Unionist Party to the Democratic Unionist Party on Monday.
-
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.
