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17/04/2007
Ex-First Minister Trimble to join Tory party
Former Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble has revealed he has joined the Conservative Party.
Lord Trimble, who led the Ulster Unionist Party for 10 years, told the BBC Radio 4 'Today' programme he was “following a long-term ambition” by joining the party.
“Now that Northern Ireland is settled, I’m free to follow what’s been an ambition for many years,” he said.
“I took this decision several months ago and held back the implementation of it so that nothing could happen in the run-up to the election.
“I am delighted to see the party come through a very serious challenge in which a very serious attempt was made to destroy it and I look forward to the party re-building.”
He added that he did not want to “rush into” taking a post in David Cameron’s Shadow Cabinet. He also played down suggestions that he had a “beady eye” on a top job.
“Actually I said to David I don’t want to be rushing into things. I don’t want to be heading in that direction.”
The Nobel Laureate added: “I think the first thing I should do is to get accustomed to their own way of doing things.”
Lord Trimble was honoured with a Nobel Peace Prize, along with SDLP's John Hume, for helping negotiate the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
He was named First Minister in 1999. However, he became involved in a prolonged battle with Sinn Fein over IRA disarmament while also fighting internal critics from his own party who demanded a tougher policy towards Sinn Fein.
In 2005, Lord Trimble stepped down as leader of the UUP after losing his Westminster seat in Upper Bann in the general election.
A formal announcement is expected to be made by Lord Trimble later today.
(JM/KMcA)
Lord Trimble, who led the Ulster Unionist Party for 10 years, told the BBC Radio 4 'Today' programme he was “following a long-term ambition” by joining the party.
“Now that Northern Ireland is settled, I’m free to follow what’s been an ambition for many years,” he said.
“I took this decision several months ago and held back the implementation of it so that nothing could happen in the run-up to the election.
“I am delighted to see the party come through a very serious challenge in which a very serious attempt was made to destroy it and I look forward to the party re-building.”
He added that he did not want to “rush into” taking a post in David Cameron’s Shadow Cabinet. He also played down suggestions that he had a “beady eye” on a top job.
“Actually I said to David I don’t want to be rushing into things. I don’t want to be heading in that direction.”
The Nobel Laureate added: “I think the first thing I should do is to get accustomed to their own way of doing things.”
Lord Trimble was honoured with a Nobel Peace Prize, along with SDLP's John Hume, for helping negotiate the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
He was named First Minister in 1999. However, he became involved in a prolonged battle with Sinn Fein over IRA disarmament while also fighting internal critics from his own party who demanded a tougher policy towards Sinn Fein.
In 2005, Lord Trimble stepped down as leader of the UUP after losing his Westminster seat in Upper Bann in the general election.
A formal announcement is expected to be made by Lord Trimble later today.
(JM/KMcA)
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Rebel MP's set to retake whip
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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.
05 December 2008
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
Lord Trimble 'Graduates'
The former Ulster Unionist Leader and original First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Trimble is being honoured by a Scottish university today. David Trimble - now Lord Trimble of Lisnagarvey - will be awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
09 December 2002
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
Trimble fends off Tory ambition speculation
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has rebuffed suggestions that he is eyeing up the leadership of the Conservative Party and spoken of his desire to see closer links between the Tories and his party.
18 October 2001
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive. Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
Midnight withdrawal of UUP ministers
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has announced the resignation of the three UUP ministers in the Northern Ireland’s power sharing executive. Mr Trimble made the announcement at Stormont around 4pm on Thursday October 18. He said that resignation letters from all ministers had been lodged and would take effect as of midnight tonight.
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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.
