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20/04/2005
DUP now the mainstream unionist party - Donaldson
Lagan Valley DUP Westminster candidate Jeffrey Donaldson has claimed that his party is now the mainstream unionist party in Northern Ireland.
Speaking on Wednesday, the former UUP member denied his party was “extremist”, as it has been labelled by UUP leader David Trimble.
“To label the DUP as ‘extremists’ is a ludicrous accusation,” Mr Donaldson said. “Over the past number of years the DUP has been uniting unionists right across the Province. We are the only people who are able to lead for unionism and far from being on the extremes we are the mainstream unionist party.
“Unionism is revitalised and confident for the first time in decades and our position is being vindicated by traditional unionists everywhere.”
Responding, UUP Chief Whip Roy Beggs said the DUP “remain on the extreme right of British politics”.
“The DUP are a party of opposition and one of the 'far right' in British politics,” the Ulster Unionist candidate for East Antrim said. “Their core message has always been based on fear and opposition, and voiced in the rhetoric of sectarian sound bites and heckling. That is the reality in the ground in my constituency.”
(MB/GB)
Speaking on Wednesday, the former UUP member denied his party was “extremist”, as it has been labelled by UUP leader David Trimble.
“To label the DUP as ‘extremists’ is a ludicrous accusation,” Mr Donaldson said. “Over the past number of years the DUP has been uniting unionists right across the Province. We are the only people who are able to lead for unionism and far from being on the extremes we are the mainstream unionist party.
“Unionism is revitalised and confident for the first time in decades and our position is being vindicated by traditional unionists everywhere.”
Responding, UUP Chief Whip Roy Beggs said the DUP “remain on the extreme right of British politics”.
“The DUP are a party of opposition and one of the 'far right' in British politics,” the Ulster Unionist candidate for East Antrim said. “Their core message has always been based on fear and opposition, and voiced in the rhetoric of sectarian sound bites and heckling. That is the reality in the ground in my constituency.”
(MB/GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
