‘Crisis’ talks for Ulster Unionists
Senior Ulster Unionists politicians met in Belfast today for talks on steps to rebuild their decimated political party.
The 108-member ruling executive also discussed the possibility of a swift leadership contest, after David Trimble lost his Upper Bann seat at the general election.
The executive could demand a full meeting of the ruling Ulster Unionist Council in June.
The UUP was left with just one MP in the general election and lost 40 local government seats.
North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon is the only UUP representative in the Commons and tipped as a realistic leadership contender.
Any decision to stand for the UUP leadership, Lady Hermon said, would have to balance her responsibilities to her husband Sir John, who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Former Stormont Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey, South Antrim Assembly Member David Burnside, and former deputy leader, Lord Kilcloney, are also tipped for the job.
Four members of the party lost their seats as voters switched allegiances to Dr Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionists.
The DUP won nine MPs.
