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27/08/2003
UUP ruling council to discuss disciplining rebel MPs
Ulster Unionist party officers have agreed to call a meeting of the UUP's 900-strong ruling council to discuss disciplinary action against three rebel MPs, the Rev Martin Smyth, Jeffrey Donaldson and David Burnside.
The council will discuss disciplinary action against the three who were suspended after resigning the party whip at Westminster in protest at party leader David Trimble's policies.
Speaking after the announcement of the meeting, Lagan Valley MP Jeffery Donaldson said he was pleased that it would go ahead.
"The legal opinion obtained by the officers in the past week has completely vindicated the advice that I gave to them at the last officers' meeting, he said.
"I am pleased the meeting is going to go ahead, in the absence of the charges being withdrawn, this is the proper way to deal with it and I look forward to hearing what the delegates to the Ulster Unionist Council have to say."
Mr Trimble said the council meeting would prove a "defining moment" for the party.
"It was always clear this issue was going to go back to a council meeting and of course, if I can coin a phrase, that council meeting will be a defining moment for the party.
"I hope it will result in matters being settled in such a way that we have people abiding by the decisions of the council," he added.
Mr Trimble has toured his constituency associations to brief grassroots on the state of the political process.
At the same time, party colleague and former culture minister Michael McGimpsey hit out at members of the party who were criticising the initiative saying he was "dismayed that some in the party are intent on precipitating another unnecessary Council meeting".
(MB)
The council will discuss disciplinary action against the three who were suspended after resigning the party whip at Westminster in protest at party leader David Trimble's policies.
Speaking after the announcement of the meeting, Lagan Valley MP Jeffery Donaldson said he was pleased that it would go ahead.
"The legal opinion obtained by the officers in the past week has completely vindicated the advice that I gave to them at the last officers' meeting, he said.
"I am pleased the meeting is going to go ahead, in the absence of the charges being withdrawn, this is the proper way to deal with it and I look forward to hearing what the delegates to the Ulster Unionist Council have to say."
Mr Trimble said the council meeting would prove a "defining moment" for the party.
"It was always clear this issue was going to go back to a council meeting and of course, if I can coin a phrase, that council meeting will be a defining moment for the party.
"I hope it will result in matters being settled in such a way that we have people abiding by the decisions of the council," he added.
Mr Trimble has toured his constituency associations to brief grassroots on the state of the political process.
At the same time, party colleague and former culture minister Michael McGimpsey hit out at members of the party who were criticising the initiative saying he was "dismayed that some in the party are intent on precipitating another unnecessary Council meeting".
(MB)
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UUP meet to schedule council meeting
Ulster Unionist Party officers are meeting in Co Fermanagh today to decide the scheduling of the council meeting forced by hardliners within the party. Hardline elements from within the party gathered the 60 signatures needed to force an emergency meeting of the 860-strong council on Monday.
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Trimble bids to quell unrest in party
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20 September 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.
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21 September 2004
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
UUP leader's wife to stand in Lagan Valley
The wife of Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble is set to stand as a UUP candidate for Lagan Valley. Daphne Trimble said she wanted to contest the seat, which is currently held by former UUP stalwart Jeffrey Donaldson, because it was a traditional "Ulster Unionist seat and the people have always been represented by Ulster Unionists".
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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.
