Hardliners threaten Trimble's leadership
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, faces a leadership challenge from right-wingers in what could be a blow to the Northern Ireland peace process.
Hardliners, alarmed about Unionist participation in talks with Sinn Fein, are discussing plans to stand against Mr Trimble at a party meeting in less than two weeks.
Last year, because of the impending general election, the party waived the normal rule which requires the party leader to be re-elected at the annual Ulster Unionist Council.
Because of that, Mr Trimble will need endorsement at this year's meeting on 21 March. Any developments in the peace process may provoke a challenge from one of the party's disgruntled MPs, or a stalking horse.Adding to the pressure, a right-wing slate may be put up to contest eight senior party positions. A senior source said: "I would be confident that David Trimble will be re-elected; I would not be confident he'll get a clear run."
Another source said: "The general view is that the British, Irish and US governments think Trimble is going to do a deal." Several MPs have reservations about the direction the process is taking, including Willie Ross, Willie Thompson, Rev Martin Smyth and Cecil Walker.
The prospect of a challenge to Mr Trimble could paralyse the process for the next two weeks. Sinn Fein's top negotiators say they will not rejoin talks until they have seen Tony Blair. That meeting is due for Thursday, just before many talks participants leave for St Patrick's Day celebrations in the US.
The next round of serious talks is unlikely to take place until the week of 23 March - after the Ulster Unionist Council. Mr Trimble, aware of the head of steam behind the hardliners, is planning a protest when Sinn Fein returns to the talks, possibly involving a demand that the delegations sit in separate rooms.
Editorial, Section 2, page 4
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments