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24/01/2003
Trimble tells republicans to 'sort out the mess'
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has told republicans to "sort out the mess they've created, once and for all".
Addressing North Down Ulster Unionist Association AGM in Bangor last night, a bullish Mr Trimble said there could be no "inch-by-inch" negotiation and what was required were "acts of completion" and not "acts of beginning".
Following an earlier meeting with Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Trimble said there was "no saleable deal" and the onus was on republicans to sort out the mess they had created.
"We weren't the ones who imported arms; we didn't spy on others; and we are not responsible for this crisis," he said.
"Republicans stand in the dock and, having destroyed the trust of others, it is up to them to take steps to fix the problem. And that means action, not rhetoric.
"I said after our meeting with Mr Ahern that there were times when we jumped first. I say to you tonight that that's not going to happen again.
"The bottom line is that unionists must have certainty that republicans have become purely political and not remain paramilitary.
"They have to make it clear to all of us that they are a thing of the past - that they're out of business, stood down, redundant, disbanded. Pick whichever word or phrase you like, but we must know that the IRA really has gone away.
"Ulster Unionism has not been found wanting in this process. We have implemented our side of the Belfast Agreement faithfully. We have taken the strain. It is time republicans carried the load for a change".
(SP)
Addressing North Down Ulster Unionist Association AGM in Bangor last night, a bullish Mr Trimble said there could be no "inch-by-inch" negotiation and what was required were "acts of completion" and not "acts of beginning".
Following an earlier meeting with Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Trimble said there was "no saleable deal" and the onus was on republicans to sort out the mess they had created.
"We weren't the ones who imported arms; we didn't spy on others; and we are not responsible for this crisis," he said.
"Republicans stand in the dock and, having destroyed the trust of others, it is up to them to take steps to fix the problem. And that means action, not rhetoric.
"I said after our meeting with Mr Ahern that there were times when we jumped first. I say to you tonight that that's not going to happen again.
"The bottom line is that unionists must have certainty that republicans have become purely political and not remain paramilitary.
"They have to make it clear to all of us that they are a thing of the past - that they're out of business, stood down, redundant, disbanded. Pick whichever word or phrase you like, but we must know that the IRA really has gone away.
"Ulster Unionism has not been found wanting in this process. We have implemented our side of the Belfast Agreement faithfully. We have taken the strain. It is time republicans carried the load for a change".
(SP)
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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".
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31 July 2001
Trimble insists that disarmament is the main issue
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has again warned that if the Northern Ireland Assembly is to survive, then arms decommissioning must take place. Prior to the publication of the British and Irish governments proposals package, Mr Trimble said that republicans had to face up to the current problems facing the peace process.
Trimble insists that disarmament is the main issue
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has again warned that if the Northern Ireland Assembly is to survive, then arms decommissioning must take place. Prior to the publication of the British and Irish governments proposals package, Mr Trimble said that republicans had to face up to the current problems facing the peace process.
05 December 2008
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
08 October 2001
UUP to walk from assembly if Sinn Féin exclusion motion fails
Two motions to exclude Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland were scheduled for debate in the assembly on Monday October 8.
UUP to walk from assembly if Sinn Féin exclusion motion fails
Two motions to exclude Sinn Féin from the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland were scheduled for debate in the assembly on Monday October 8.
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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.
