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20/04/2007
UUP row allegedly erupts over health role
A row has allegedly erupted within the Ulster Unionist Party after claims Alan McFarland turned down the chance to become health minister in the new Northern Ireland executive.
Supporters of the party’s leader, Sir Reg Empey, are said to be furious about the claims, which came about just before the UUP’s annual general meeting.
A source said: “It appears there are some people who are on a deathwish for our party.
“The Ulster Unionist Party is still suffering from the in-fighting that occurred during the David Trimble – Jeffrey Donaldson era and some of our members seem to be intent on opening up new wounds. It’s ridiculous.”
However, Lagan Valley assembly member Basil McCrea has denied the claims of a rift. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said he has "never seen the party so united".
He continued: "There definitely was a problem in the past that we were riven by factions and disagreements and you just couldn't do anything.
"Actually, today the party's united in its need to change and it's determined to take the opportunity to do so.
"Yes, of course there are differences of opinion but it's not the same thing as happened in the past. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen the party so united."
South Belfast MLA Michael McGimpsey was announced as health minister, after Mr McFarland apparently refused the offer, urging Sir Reg to take the position himself. It is understood he wanted the UUP leader to concentrate on rebuilding the party after its disappointing results at the Assembly election.
The UUP finished fourth in the popular vote, behind the DUP, Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
(JM/KMcA)
Supporters of the party’s leader, Sir Reg Empey, are said to be furious about the claims, which came about just before the UUP’s annual general meeting.
A source said: “It appears there are some people who are on a deathwish for our party.
“The Ulster Unionist Party is still suffering from the in-fighting that occurred during the David Trimble – Jeffrey Donaldson era and some of our members seem to be intent on opening up new wounds. It’s ridiculous.”
However, Lagan Valley assembly member Basil McCrea has denied the claims of a rift. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster he said he has "never seen the party so united".
He continued: "There definitely was a problem in the past that we were riven by factions and disagreements and you just couldn't do anything.
"Actually, today the party's united in its need to change and it's determined to take the opportunity to do so.
"Yes, of course there are differences of opinion but it's not the same thing as happened in the past. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen the party so united."
South Belfast MLA Michael McGimpsey was announced as health minister, after Mr McFarland apparently refused the offer, urging Sir Reg to take the position himself. It is understood he wanted the UUP leader to concentrate on rebuilding the party after its disappointing results at the Assembly election.
The UUP finished fourth in the popular vote, behind the DUP, Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
(JM/KMcA)
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