Menu
20/09/2002
Direction of unionism in balance as Trimble-Donaldson talks conclude
Showdown talks between David Trimble and his chief critic within the party, Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, have broken up this afternoon with both men declining to make comment.
The outcome of today's crunch talks ahead of tomorrow's crucial Ulster Unionist Council meeting, could have far-reaching implications – not least the dissolution of the assembly, should hardline elements succeed in their demands for the party to leave the executive.
Tomorrow's UUP council meeting is the ninth that David Trimble has faced since the Good Friday Agreement, and it is expected to be the most difficult yet faced by the embattled first minister.
This time round, the anti-agreement camp led by Jeffrey Donaldson has been more vocal in their opposition to the direction the leadership has taken. Indeed, both Mr Donaldson and David Trimble have written letters to the council's 860 delegates in an attempt to garner support leading up to the debate.
Ahead of tomorrow's meeting, SDLP deputy leader Brid Rodgers has warned hardline unionists that there can be "no renegotiation of the Good Friday agreement".
"I am calling on David Trimble as he addresses the UUC tomorrow to set out clearly those benefits and opportunities. So far he has failed to do so. To date he has failed to build the confidence of the unionist community and has created doubt within the nationalist community as to where he really stands. On the other hand, the only alternative put forward so far by the no camp is a proposal to renegotiate the Good Friday Agreement.
"I want to make it absolutely clear that the SDLP will not be renegotiating the Good Friday Agreement. Those who walked away from the negotiations opted out of the process. Full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement was never going to be easy and has proved difficult. That is no excuse for any parties to walk away."
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, speaking in Dundalk at the party's Ard Fheis, also warned that the agreement should not be dependent on the fate of the UUC meeting.
"There is concern at the erosion of confidence, among nationalist and republicans, in the British government's handling of this process and it was the main focus of my discussions this week with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern," he said.
"Reducing this process to one in which concessions are made to the UUP each time they create a crisis, while failing on key issues such as policing, demilitarisation, equality and human rights, is a recipe for disaster."
(GMcG)
The outcome of today's crunch talks ahead of tomorrow's crucial Ulster Unionist Council meeting, could have far-reaching implications – not least the dissolution of the assembly, should hardline elements succeed in their demands for the party to leave the executive.
Tomorrow's UUP council meeting is the ninth that David Trimble has faced since the Good Friday Agreement, and it is expected to be the most difficult yet faced by the embattled first minister.
This time round, the anti-agreement camp led by Jeffrey Donaldson has been more vocal in their opposition to the direction the leadership has taken. Indeed, both Mr Donaldson and David Trimble have written letters to the council's 860 delegates in an attempt to garner support leading up to the debate.
Ahead of tomorrow's meeting, SDLP deputy leader Brid Rodgers has warned hardline unionists that there can be "no renegotiation of the Good Friday agreement".
"I am calling on David Trimble as he addresses the UUC tomorrow to set out clearly those benefits and opportunities. So far he has failed to do so. To date he has failed to build the confidence of the unionist community and has created doubt within the nationalist community as to where he really stands. On the other hand, the only alternative put forward so far by the no camp is a proposal to renegotiate the Good Friday Agreement.
"I want to make it absolutely clear that the SDLP will not be renegotiating the Good Friday Agreement. Those who walked away from the negotiations opted out of the process. Full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement was never going to be easy and has proved difficult. That is no excuse for any parties to walk away."
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, speaking in Dundalk at the party's Ard Fheis, also warned that the agreement should not be dependent on the fate of the UUC meeting.
"There is concern at the erosion of confidence, among nationalist and republicans, in the British government's handling of this process and it was the main focus of my discussions this week with Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern," he said.
"Reducing this process to one in which concessions are made to the UUP each time they create a crisis, while failing on key issues such as policing, demilitarisation, equality and human rights, is a recipe for disaster."
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 July 2021
Govts Urged To Ensure Full Implementation Of Stormont House Agreement
Sinn Féin's MP team has called on both the UK and Irish government to ensure the Stormont House Agreement is implemented in full.
Govts Urged To Ensure Full Implementation Of Stormont House Agreement
Sinn Féin's MP team has called on both the UK and Irish government to ensure the Stormont House Agreement is implemented in full.
19 December 2003
Mixed responses to Donaldson's departure
The decision by rebel Ulster Unionist MP Jeffery Donaldson to leave the party has been welcomed by some supporters of UUP leader David Trimble. The hardline anti-Good Friday Agreement MP announced his decision to leave the party along with two other Assembly members, Norah Beare and Arlene Foster who were also elected on an Ulster Unionist ticket.
Mixed responses to Donaldson's departure
The decision by rebel Ulster Unionist MP Jeffery Donaldson to leave the party has been welcomed by some supporters of UUP leader David Trimble. The hardline anti-Good Friday Agreement MP announced his decision to leave the party along with two other Assembly members, Norah Beare and Arlene Foster who were also elected on an Ulster Unionist ticket.
26 July 2022
Lord David Trimble Dies Aged 77
Lord David Trimble, co-architect of the Good Friday Agreement and NI's original First Minister, has died aged 77. His death was announced in a statement released by the Trimble family. It read: "It is with great sadness that the family of Lord Trimble announce that he passed away peacefully earlier today following a short illness.
Lord David Trimble Dies Aged 77
Lord David Trimble, co-architect of the Good Friday Agreement and NI's original First Minister, has died aged 77. His death was announced in a statement released by the Trimble family. It read: "It is with great sadness that the family of Lord Trimble announce that he passed away peacefully earlier today following a short illness.
06 December 2018
Alliance: Backstop Protects The Good Friday Agreement
As Prime Minister Theresa May fights to gain Parliament support for her Withdrawal Agreement, Northern Ireland's Alliance Party has issued an assurance that the backstop it contains will protect the Good Friday Agreement.
Alliance: Backstop Protects The Good Friday Agreement
As Prime Minister Theresa May fights to gain Parliament support for her Withdrawal Agreement, Northern Ireland's Alliance Party has issued an assurance that the backstop it contains will protect the Good Friday Agreement.
15 October 2018
EU Negotiators Ignoring Good Friday Agreement, Claims UUP
Robin Swann MLA, the leader of the Ulster Unionist party, has hit out at EU negotiators and the Irish government for ignoring and "playing fast and loose" with the Good Friday Agreement.
EU Negotiators Ignoring Good Friday Agreement, Claims UUP
Robin Swann MLA, the leader of the Ulster Unionist party, has hit out at EU negotiators and the Irish government for ignoring and "playing fast and loose" with the Good Friday Agreement.
-
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.
