Ulster Unionists delay manifesto launch
The launch of the Ulster Unionists’ manifesto has been delayed after the home of one of their assembly members was raided by police.
Michael Copeland, East Belfast MLA, is being investigated in connection with money laundering.
Mr Copeland denies any wrongdoing.
Detectives searched Mr Copeland’s home and offices last week and took away computer equipment, credit card and bank statements.
In the wake of the raid, the Ulster Unionist leadership decided on a two-day delay as it feared its policy launch could be overshadowed.
It was due to launch the manifesto today, but this is now expected to take place on Wednesday.
A fortnight ago, ousted Ulster Defence Association commander, Jim Gray, was also arrested in a money laundering probe.
He was charged with possessing and concealing property. Belfast estate agent owner Philip Johnston has also been charged.
Meanwhile, UUP leader David Trimble yesterday called for a cross-community administration in Northern Ireland that had no room for “extreme” parties.
The Nobel Peace prize winner and architect of the Good Friday Agreement called on voters to back the two main “moderate” parties in the province – the UUP and the nationalist SDLP – at the general election.
He said the “extremes” of key players Sinn Fein and Dr Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionist party had no inclusive agenda and they ought to be resigned to opposition.
A vote for the centre was a vote to “reinvigorate” the political process, he said.
“I think it would be much better now to let the parties and the extremes have a bit of time in opposition where they can sort themselves out,” he told Breakfast With Frost.
“I think you could have a cross-community administration based on the Ulster Unionists and the SDLP.
“I think that trying to have a cross-community administration that brings in every party isn’t going to work in the present circumstances.
“What we want to see in this election is whether people are prepared to vote for that or are they going to, as it were, endorse the extremes and reinforce stalemate.”
