Tory-UUP link to 'give unionists national voice'
THE merger between the UUP and Conservatives will allow Ulster voters to play a key role in national politics, it was claimed yesterday.
Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey and Conservative Northern Ireland spokesman Owen Paterson officially launched their plan to field joint candidates in the European and Westminster elections in Northern Ireland.
Criticism
They urged voters to focus on the opportunities their alliance presented and dismissed criticisms of their new title, 'Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force'.
Sir Reg said: "This is something that we have been working on for over a year.
"We have come to believe that we are no longer prepared here in Northern Ireland to be two-tier citizens of the UK."
Launch
At a press conference today to officially launch the venture, Mr Paterson repeated a Tory commitment for MPs elected under the new banner to play a central role in any future Conservative government.
He said: "I am delighted that the Conservative Party in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Unionists have made such great progress in creating a new electoral force in Northern Irish politics.
"The immediate task is ensuring that the Conservatives and Unionists top the poll in the European elections right across the United Kingdom."
Elections
It is understood the 'New Force' tag is likely to be dropped from election literature when MEP Jim Nicholson becomes the first candidate to stand under the united banner when he defends his seat in the June European elections.
Sir Reg tried to focus attention on what he said were the political opportunities opening-up for unionists.
Opportunity
"This is an opportunity, for the first time ever, for people in Northern Ireland to vote for pro-union MPs that will be part of the UK Government," he said.
"That is the aim of every person who wants to be part of the Union."
Sinn Fein already operates on an all-Ireland basis and has elected representatives in both jurisdictions on the island.
The UUP said they were entitled to build similar links with Britain.
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Weather for Belfast
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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