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17/06/2003
Donaldson's future with UUP in doubt
Jeffrey Donaldson's future within the Ulster Unionist Party was in the balance today following the defeat of his motion tabled at last night's party council meeting.
At the meeting, the Lagan Valley MP's motion to reject the party's stance on the British-Irish Joint Declaration was defeated by 440 votes to 369.
The rejection left Mr Donaldson's future in question after he pledged to consider his position if it were beaten.
The vote was viewed as yet another success for leader David Trimble who appealed to the party's council to support his stance on the Joint Declaration which includes the future of the Royal Irish Regiment.
However, Mr Trimble made it clear that the party had not endorsed the declaration, as it depended on acts of completion by republicans.
His amendment to Mr Donaldson's motion asked the council to reaffirm a previous resolution made last September, which demanded an end to paramilitarism as the price of power-sharing.
He called on the party to keep the future of the Royal Irish Regiment under consideration, and to note the Ministry of Defence's statement that it had no plans to disband its home battalions.
Mr Trimble publicly asked on Mr Donaldson to re-consider his initial comments and remain within the party.
He said: “I would like him to consider his decision and the only way for him to do that is to remain in the party and support party policy.”
However, this appeal came shortly before rumours circulated that the DUP was considering calling on the Lagan Valley man to join their party.
Underscoring this, DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson called on all anti-agreement unionists to work together against further concessions for republicans. He said: "The vast majority of Unionists are against the Agreement. Unionists of like mind must now work together in the same camp to represent the views of the overwhelming number of Unionists in the Province."
Another disaffected UUP member, Arlene Foster also confirmed that she had been approached by the DUP.
(MB)
At the meeting, the Lagan Valley MP's motion to reject the party's stance on the British-Irish Joint Declaration was defeated by 440 votes to 369.
The rejection left Mr Donaldson's future in question after he pledged to consider his position if it were beaten.
The vote was viewed as yet another success for leader David Trimble who appealed to the party's council to support his stance on the Joint Declaration which includes the future of the Royal Irish Regiment.
However, Mr Trimble made it clear that the party had not endorsed the declaration, as it depended on acts of completion by republicans.
His amendment to Mr Donaldson's motion asked the council to reaffirm a previous resolution made last September, which demanded an end to paramilitarism as the price of power-sharing.
He called on the party to keep the future of the Royal Irish Regiment under consideration, and to note the Ministry of Defence's statement that it had no plans to disband its home battalions.
Mr Trimble publicly asked on Mr Donaldson to re-consider his initial comments and remain within the party.
He said: “I would like him to consider his decision and the only way for him to do that is to remain in the party and support party policy.”
However, this appeal came shortly before rumours circulated that the DUP was considering calling on the Lagan Valley man to join their party.
Underscoring this, DUP deputy leader Peter Robinson called on all anti-agreement unionists to work together against further concessions for republicans. He said: "The vast majority of Unionists are against the Agreement. Unionists of like mind must now work together in the same camp to represent the views of the overwhelming number of Unionists in the Province."
Another disaffected UUP member, Arlene Foster also confirmed that she had been approached by the DUP.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
