Unionist Division Deepens

Despite long declared aspirations of 'unionist unity' by new DUP boss, First Minister Peter Robinson, it's not to be, as a by-election is to be held in Fermanagh in what is effectively a UUP and DUP standoff.

Rather than co-opt a DUP member to the vacant seat left by the recent death of DUP Councillor Joe Dodds - the father of DUP Finance Minister Nigel Dodds - the UUP has objected to their choice of candidate, triggering a divisive election.

The DUP has now claimed that the forcing of the election will hand the seat to Sinn Fein.

NI Trade and Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster, who is a Fermanagh MLA, blasted the UUP move.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster this morning, she said: "The council election result in 2005 shows clearly that the DUP is the main unionist party in this area.

"This decision could cost unionism a seat. This is an unbelievable decision that simply defies logic.

"This move, coming on the back of the Ulster Unionist Party supporting a Sinn Fein councillor for Lord Mayor in Belfast, would cause one to wonder whether the UUP wants to see unionists or republicans succeed in Northern Ireland."

Meanwhile, division is also evident nationally as the two main unionist parties are now set for a showdown in the House of Lords today as the Government's controversial 42-day detention Bill is debated in the upper house.

The DUP will support Labour's bid to push the Bill through the Lords.

However, Ulster Unionists will vote against the Bill.

Lord Laird, Lord Maginnis and Lord Rogan are expected to join with other peers to kick the legislation out.

This is despite the fact that the party's sole MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, backed the Government plans in the House of Commons last month.

Speaking last night, Lord Laird said people needed to think calmly and rationally about what was being suggested by Gordon Brown.

"We are talking about locking up potentially innocent people for 42 days," he said.

(BMcC)