Trimble fails in bid for re-election as First Minister

David Trimble has failed in his attempt to be re-elected as Northern Ireland First Minister in a vote at the Stormont Assembly.

In a vote taken on Friday afternoon Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble received an Assembly majority of 70 per cent of 102 votes in favour of re-election, but only received 49.2 per cent of the unionist vote therefore disqualifying him from occupying the leading position of the Stormont cabinet.

Contributing to his failure was the nay vote of East Derry UUP MLA Mrs Pauline Armitage, and that of North Down UUP MLA, Mr Peter Weir who joined the ranks of the anti-Belfast Agreement unionists and also opposed Mr Trimble.

Explaining his decision Mr Weir said today he had put the interests of the country ahead of his party's by voting against Mr Trimble.

Speaking afterwards Mr Trimble said he was sure the people of Northern Ireland would be disappointed by Friday’s result but that they should not be thwarted by a “small unrepresentative clique which has frustrated the wishes of the community as a whole.”

In light of the crisis the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr John Reid was due to meet with all the pro-agreement parties in Castle Buildings on Friday.

He is now faced with the option of calling fresh elections, suspending the political institutions again or amending the legislation to ensure that Mr Trimble can be restored as First Minister. It is thought that Dr Reid will call a temporary suspension. (AMcE)