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03/04/2007
Two more Ballymena DUP members quit
Two further Democratic Unionist Party members in Ballymena have quit following the party’s plans to enter a power-sharing government with Sinn Fein.
Ballymena Mayor James Alexander and Robin Stirling told a council meeting last night they were leaving the party.
They will remain on the council as independent members.
The news comes as three other party members Roy Gillespie, Sam Gaston and David Tweed recently resigned and the latest resignations mean the DUP will lose overall control of the council in Ballymena.
Mr Alexander, 63, who was a party member for over 40 years, said he was leaving because he thought the DUP was rushing into government with Sinn Fein.
“It was too early to power-share with them, the weeks they have given them is ridiculous compared with the 30-odd years of conflict,” he said.
“It was very much a soul-searching exercise for me, to see what was the right way. I thought I should go with a clear conscience and I can do as I feel, according to my principles and morals,” Mr Alexander added.
(JM/SP)
Ballymena Mayor James Alexander and Robin Stirling told a council meeting last night they were leaving the party.
They will remain on the council as independent members.
The news comes as three other party members Roy Gillespie, Sam Gaston and David Tweed recently resigned and the latest resignations mean the DUP will lose overall control of the council in Ballymena.
Mr Alexander, 63, who was a party member for over 40 years, said he was leaving because he thought the DUP was rushing into government with Sinn Fein.
“It was too early to power-share with them, the weeks they have given them is ridiculous compared with the 30-odd years of conflict,” he said.
“It was very much a soul-searching exercise for me, to see what was the right way. I thought I should go with a clear conscience and I can do as I feel, according to my principles and morals,” Mr Alexander added.
(JM/SP)
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