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26/10/2009
Lady Hermon Snubs Tories
Lady Sylvia Hermon has said her absence from the Ulster Unionist's annual conference was in protest at the party's voting pact with the Conservatives.
The weekend conference attracted high profile Tory figures such as Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague, who spoke of the importance of strengthening the union.
Lady Hermon, the UUP's only Westminster MP, has been a vocal opponent of the link-up between her party and the Opposition, branded Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force (UCUNF).
On Saturday the North Down parliamentarian was photographed walking her dog as colleagues addressed party faithfuls.
Lady Hermon told the News Letter said she was not prepared to "go along and pretend to endorse" the arrangement between the parties.
"Whilst I am truly sorry to have missed seeing many of my Ulster Unionist friends at yesterday's conference, I simply couldn't go along and pretend to endorse the New Force arrangements," she added.
Under the terms of the pact the UUP and Tories will select joint candidates to contest Northern Ireland constituencies at the next general election.
Former Alliance councillor and MEP candidate Ian Parsley has been chosen as the Conservatives' nominee for North Down.
The UUP will now put forward its preferred runner, and a joint committee will later rule on the successful candidate.
Many have speculated that Lady Hermon may stand as an independent at the next election.
(PR/BMcC)
The weekend conference attracted high profile Tory figures such as Shadow Foreign Secretary William Hague, who spoke of the importance of strengthening the union.
Lady Hermon, the UUP's only Westminster MP, has been a vocal opponent of the link-up between her party and the Opposition, branded Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force (UCUNF).
On Saturday the North Down parliamentarian was photographed walking her dog as colleagues addressed party faithfuls.
Lady Hermon told the News Letter said she was not prepared to "go along and pretend to endorse" the arrangement between the parties.
"Whilst I am truly sorry to have missed seeing many of my Ulster Unionist friends at yesterday's conference, I simply couldn't go along and pretend to endorse the New Force arrangements," she added.
Under the terms of the pact the UUP and Tories will select joint candidates to contest Northern Ireland constituencies at the next general election.
Former Alliance councillor and MEP candidate Ian Parsley has been chosen as the Conservatives' nominee for North Down.
The UUP will now put forward its preferred runner, and a joint committee will later rule on the successful candidate.
Many have speculated that Lady Hermon may stand as an independent at the next election.
(PR/BMcC)
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Hermon Absent For Tory/UUP Launch
The Ulster Unionist's sole Westminster MP was conspicuous by her absence at last night's unveiling ceremony of a new UUP and Conservative Party voting pact. Lady Hermon (pictured) did not attend the event to 'christen' the agreement, which has been officially branded 'Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force'.
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Empey 'Disappointed' By Sole MP Hermon
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
