Menu
09/12/2002
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
In an interview with Radio 4's Today Programme, Mr Trimble said that talks are ongoing between the two parties, but whether that would result in merger, alliance, leadership bid, or simply an article of understanding, he would not confirm.
He said: "I want to see Ulster Unionism at the heart of British politics. I don't see any justification for our being excluded from national politics, which in many respects we are.
"Yes, I have talked to the Conservatives, I have done that on a number of occasions. We do work together, we work very closely together for example in Europe, and we consider from time to time what we can do here within the UK."
On the prospect of Unionist MPs stepping up to the Shadow Cabinet, Mr Trimble said: "That is a huge jump, and whether a jump like that will ever occur is simply a matter for speculation."
On the wider goal of a Tory leadership move, Mr Trimble said: "I am the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, that is a very onerous job in itself, and it gives me some insight into the problems that people have as leaders of other parties. I have no desire, no intention of taking on an even bigger task, I have enough problems of my own."
Despite the coy denials, the speculation has placed David Trimble in the national headlines.
The Conservative-leaning Daily Telegraph gives the idea of Tory-UUP alignment its support. The paper's leader writer describes a compact as a "tempting prospect" adding that "both the UUP and the Tories stand to gain politically".
The paper views Mr Trimble as "one of the few small-c conservatives in the United Kingdom with moral authority", and he could provide current leader Ian Duncan Smith with "heavyweight" support.
The news is a welcome buffer for the beleaguered Duncan Smith who suffered a resignation call from the europhile Tory peer Michael Heseltine elsewhere in today's press.
The UUP had been aligned to the Conservative Party for much of its life - until the fall of Stormont and the introduction of direct rule by Edward Heath in 1974. And while a Tory leadership bid is unlikely in the extreme, Mr Trimble has made a number of calls for the parties to merge previously.
In recent weeks, Kenneth Clark, Michael Portillo and David Davies have all made similar statements and reject the idea that they are interested in leading the Conservative Party.
(GMcG)
In an interview with Radio 4's Today Programme, Mr Trimble said that talks are ongoing between the two parties, but whether that would result in merger, alliance, leadership bid, or simply an article of understanding, he would not confirm.
He said: "I want to see Ulster Unionism at the heart of British politics. I don't see any justification for our being excluded from national politics, which in many respects we are.
"Yes, I have talked to the Conservatives, I have done that on a number of occasions. We do work together, we work very closely together for example in Europe, and we consider from time to time what we can do here within the UK."
On the prospect of Unionist MPs stepping up to the Shadow Cabinet, Mr Trimble said: "That is a huge jump, and whether a jump like that will ever occur is simply a matter for speculation."
On the wider goal of a Tory leadership move, Mr Trimble said: "I am the leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, that is a very onerous job in itself, and it gives me some insight into the problems that people have as leaders of other parties. I have no desire, no intention of taking on an even bigger task, I have enough problems of my own."
Despite the coy denials, the speculation has placed David Trimble in the national headlines.
The Conservative-leaning Daily Telegraph gives the idea of Tory-UUP alignment its support. The paper's leader writer describes a compact as a "tempting prospect" adding that "both the UUP and the Tories stand to gain politically".
The paper views Mr Trimble as "one of the few small-c conservatives in the United Kingdom with moral authority", and he could provide current leader Ian Duncan Smith with "heavyweight" support.
The news is a welcome buffer for the beleaguered Duncan Smith who suffered a resignation call from the europhile Tory peer Michael Heseltine elsewhere in today's press.
The UUP had been aligned to the Conservative Party for much of its life - until the fall of Stormont and the introduction of direct rule by Edward Heath in 1974. And while a Tory leadership bid is unlikely in the extreme, Mr Trimble has made a number of calls for the parties to merge previously.
In recent weeks, Kenneth Clark, Michael Portillo and David Davies have all made similar statements and reject the idea that they are interested in leading the Conservative Party.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
20 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
10 October 2001
Trimble lays down gauntlet at Conservative conference
The Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has attacked Tony Blair’s handling of the Northern Ireland peace process in a speech to the Conservative Party Conference. Addressing the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool on Wednesday October 10, Mr Trimble said the problem was Labour’s reluctance to seize the initiative.
Trimble lays down gauntlet at Conservative conference
The Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has attacked Tony Blair’s handling of the Northern Ireland peace process in a speech to the Conservative Party Conference. Addressing the Conservative Party conference in Blackpool on Wednesday October 10, Mr Trimble said the problem was Labour’s reluctance to seize the initiative.
10 October 2003
Rebel MP's set to retake whip
The Ulster Unionist Party's three rebel MP's are set to retake the party whip next week. Jeffrey Donaldson, David Burnside and the Rev Martin Smyth are said to have discussed the matter privately at a special meeting.
Rebel MP's set to retake whip
The Ulster Unionist Party's three rebel MP's are set to retake the party whip next week. Jeffrey Donaldson, David Burnside and the Rev Martin Smyth are said to have discussed the matter privately at a special meeting.
18 October 2001
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive. Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive. Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
-
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.
