Menu
04/10/2012
UKIP To Gain First MLA
The UK Independence Party (UKIP) could be set to acquire its first Northern Irish assembly member.
David McNarry, who was expelled from the Ulster Unionist Party last May following investigation by a disciplinary committee, may be about to become the Assembly’s first UKIP representative.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage is visiting Stormont on Friday in order to make a policy announcement. Mr Farage has left a message on his Twitter account which reads: “Off to Stormont tomorrow and looking forward to welcoming David McNarry as UKIP's first MLA."
UKIP currently has 11 MEPs. The party is seeking to achieve independence for the UK from the European Union. This latest news means the party could be about to gain its first representative in the devolved assemblies.
The news shows an apparent change of tack for Mr McNarry, as the politician has sat as an independent candidate since his expulsion from the UUP.
In January, then party leader Tom Elliot had demoted Mr McNarry from the deputy chair of the education committee.
This caused the resignation by Mr McNarry of the UUP Stormont whip. He also resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party’s assembly group, despite remaining a party member.
The fall-out was apparently initiated when Mr McNarry gave an interview to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper in which he spoke of discussions between the DUP and UUP regarding unionism.
Mr Elliot was replaced by Mike Nesbitt in March. At the time, he remarked on the situation surrounding Mr McNarry.
"I cannot imagine any circumstances under which David McNarry would be back in the Ulster Unionist assembly group of MLAs when I have control of the whip", he said.
(IT/GK)
David McNarry, who was expelled from the Ulster Unionist Party last May following investigation by a disciplinary committee, may be about to become the Assembly’s first UKIP representative.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage is visiting Stormont on Friday in order to make a policy announcement. Mr Farage has left a message on his Twitter account which reads: “Off to Stormont tomorrow and looking forward to welcoming David McNarry as UKIP's first MLA."
UKIP currently has 11 MEPs. The party is seeking to achieve independence for the UK from the European Union. This latest news means the party could be about to gain its first representative in the devolved assemblies.
The news shows an apparent change of tack for Mr McNarry, as the politician has sat as an independent candidate since his expulsion from the UUP.
In January, then party leader Tom Elliot had demoted Mr McNarry from the deputy chair of the education committee.
This caused the resignation by Mr McNarry of the UUP Stormont whip. He also resigned from the Ulster Unionist Party’s assembly group, despite remaining a party member.
The fall-out was apparently initiated when Mr McNarry gave an interview to the Belfast Telegraph newspaper in which he spoke of discussions between the DUP and UUP regarding unionism.
Mr Elliot was replaced by Mike Nesbitt in March. At the time, he remarked on the situation surrounding Mr McNarry.
"I cannot imagine any circumstances under which David McNarry would be back in the Ulster Unionist assembly group of MLAs when I have control of the whip", he said.
(IT/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 January 2012
McNarry To Resign From Ulster Unionist Assembly Team
David McNarry is set to resign formally from the Ulster Unionist assembly team following disagreements over cooperation with the DUP. The deputy chairman of the assembly's education committee revealed his plans to quit after he was demoted by the party leader for talking to the Belfast Telegraph.
McNarry To Resign From Ulster Unionist Assembly Team
David McNarry is set to resign formally from the Ulster Unionist assembly team following disagreements over cooperation with the DUP. The deputy chairman of the assembly's education committee revealed his plans to quit after he was demoted by the party leader for talking to the Belfast Telegraph.
15 February 2008
Fresh Dispute Over Maze Stadium Proposals
Normally rival unionist factions have collaborated in a bid to scupper plans for a multi-use sport stadium at the site of the former Maze prison, according to a Northern Ireland Assembly member.
Fresh Dispute Over Maze Stadium Proposals
Normally rival unionist factions have collaborated in a bid to scupper plans for a multi-use sport stadium at the site of the former Maze prison, according to a Northern Ireland Assembly member.
22 May 2012
Ulster Unionists Expel Assembly Member
Problems within unionism deepened today as the Ulster Unionist Party expelled a prominent member. David McNarry, Assembly member for Strangford, was informed of his expulsion following a meeting of a disciplinary committee yesterday. A UUP spokesman said: "We followed due process and arrived democratically at our decision.
Ulster Unionists Expel Assembly Member
Problems within unionism deepened today as the Ulster Unionist Party expelled a prominent member. David McNarry, Assembly member for Strangford, was informed of his expulsion following a meeting of a disciplinary committee yesterday. A UUP spokesman said: "We followed due process and arrived democratically at our decision.
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.
13 January 2004
Call for 'shadow committees' at Stormont
An MLA has proposed the setting up of 'shadow committees' at Stormont to enable Assembly members to tackle some of the key issues concerning the community.
Call for 'shadow committees' at Stormont
An MLA has proposed the setting up of 'shadow committees' at Stormont to enable Assembly members to tackle some of the key issues concerning the community.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
