Lady Hermon undecided on whether to stand
THE Ulster Unionists' sole MP Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she will "weigh up her options" after refusing to fight the next election under a joint banner with the Conservative Party.
This week her party formally announced her refusal to endorse their new political venture and yesterday she said that she is now considering her next move, with speculation that she may yet stand as an independent.
Lady Sylvia would be favourite to hold her North Down seat if she defended it, but yesterday she said: "I can't pretend this has been an easy decision on my part.
"On the contrary, it has caused me considerable sadness, especially as I had hoped some amicable resolution could have been found."
She added: "The simple truth is that I am unable to stand under that (Tory-UUP) banner and, as I have said consistently, I would not take the Tory Whip at Westminster."
The MP added: "Over the next few days, I want to talk to constituents, friends and family before coming to a final decision."
On Wednesday night the Ulster Unionists and Tories decided on nine joint candidates to fight the forthcoming general election, all of whom were from the UUP.
Describing it as a "formidable team", UUP leader Sir Reg Empey said: "This is an opportunity for the first time in a generation to vote for people who will be part of a national Government and for people who will not be double jobbing but totally dedicated — sitting as full time members of parliament."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
