Menu
09/06/2006
Empey dismisses MP's calls to sever PUP ties
Ulster Unionist leader, Sir Reg Empey has today dismissed calls from party's sole Westminster MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, to sever ties with the Progressive Unionist Party.
Lady Hermon called for links to be severed with the PUP, due to ongoing activity by the UVF, to which the party is connected.
Sir Reg said that he acknowledged and respected Lady Hermon's views, however he added that the party was not prepared to walk away from the deal.
Last month, the UUP sparked outrage among politicians by inviting PUP leader, David Ervine to join their assembly group when the local executive reconvenes.
Sir Reg defended the move, saying that it would cost Sinn Fein a ministerial seat.
Lady Hermon, however, said that she was concerned with the UVF's failure to disarm and more recently their connection with the attempted murder of leading loyalist Mark Haddock. She said that the move caused her "great distress" but said that she thought it could prove worthwhile if it helped to encourage the organisation to move towards decommissioning weapons.
The UVF have stated that they will not make any moves before the November 24 deadline.
Sir Reg has responded to Lady Hermon's comments by stating that her thoughts were well known throughout the party.
He said: "The problem of loyalist paramilitaries has evolved over 35 years and this exercise cannot be completed in the space of three weeks - there is progress to be made.
"Having said that, we will know relatively quickly whether those with whom we are engaged with are being disingenuous.
"If they are, then naturally the position will have to be re-assessed and I will not hesitate to do so. This is not an unconditional arrangement."
(EF/SP)
Lady Hermon called for links to be severed with the PUP, due to ongoing activity by the UVF, to which the party is connected.
Sir Reg said that he acknowledged and respected Lady Hermon's views, however he added that the party was not prepared to walk away from the deal.
Last month, the UUP sparked outrage among politicians by inviting PUP leader, David Ervine to join their assembly group when the local executive reconvenes.
Sir Reg defended the move, saying that it would cost Sinn Fein a ministerial seat.
Lady Hermon, however, said that she was concerned with the UVF's failure to disarm and more recently their connection with the attempted murder of leading loyalist Mark Haddock. She said that the move caused her "great distress" but said that she thought it could prove worthwhile if it helped to encourage the organisation to move towards decommissioning weapons.
The UVF have stated that they will not make any moves before the November 24 deadline.
Sir Reg has responded to Lady Hermon's comments by stating that her thoughts were well known throughout the party.
He said: "The problem of loyalist paramilitaries has evolved over 35 years and this exercise cannot be completed in the space of three weeks - there is progress to be made.
"Having said that, we will know relatively quickly whether those with whom we are engaged with are being disingenuous.
"If they are, then naturally the position will have to be re-assessed and I will not hesitate to do so. This is not an unconditional arrangement."
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2019
Lady Hermon Stands Down As North Down MP
Lady Sylvia Hermon has confirmed that she will not contest the General Election. The Independent unionist MP held the seat for North Down since 2001. Warm tributes have been flooding in from across the political spectrum following the announcement.
Lady Hermon Stands Down As North Down MP
Lady Sylvia Hermon has confirmed that she will not contest the General Election. The Independent unionist MP held the seat for North Down since 2001. Warm tributes have been flooding in from across the political spectrum following the announcement.
14 May 2009
Empey 'Disappointed' By Sole MP Hermon
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey (pictured here) has blasted the party's sole MP for distancing herself from a Tory link-up in the run up to the European elections.
Empey 'Disappointed' By Sole MP Hermon
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey (pictured here) has blasted the party's sole MP for distancing herself from a Tory link-up in the run up to the European elections.
05 January 2010
Hermon's Future Still Uncertain
Maverick Ulster Unionist Sylvia Hermon's position within the party still remains vague following a lengthy meeting with Sir Reg Empey at the weekend. North Down MP Lady Hermon, the UUP's sole House of Commons voice, has indicated her distaste for Sir Reg's electoral link-up with the UK Tory Party.
Hermon's Future Still Uncertain
Maverick Ulster Unionist Sylvia Hermon's position within the party still remains vague following a lengthy meeting with Sir Reg Empey at the weekend. North Down MP Lady Hermon, the UUP's sole House of Commons voice, has indicated her distaste for Sir Reg's electoral link-up with the UK Tory Party.
25 March 2010
MP Hermon Quits UUP
The only Ulster Unionist MP at Westminster has quit the party over its electoral pact with the Tories. Sylvia Hermon today resigned from the UUP and declared she would defend her North Down seat.
MP Hermon Quits UUP
The only Ulster Unionist MP at Westminster has quit the party over its electoral pact with the Tories. Sylvia Hermon today resigned from the UUP and declared she would defend her North Down seat.
23 February 2010
Hermon UUP Selection Quandary
Ulster Unionists have until this evening to select the party's North Down Westminster candidate, amid continued resistance from incumbent Lady Hermon over a Tory electoral pact. The UUP and Conservative Party have agreed to field joint candidates in every Northern Ireland constituency at this year's General Election.
Hermon UUP Selection Quandary
Ulster Unionists have until this evening to select the party's North Down Westminster candidate, amid continued resistance from incumbent Lady Hermon over a Tory electoral pact. The UUP and Conservative Party have agreed to field joint candidates in every Northern Ireland constituency at this year's General Election.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
