Tories planning Ulster re-launch
THE Conservative Party is planning to re-launch itself as an independent entity in Northern Ireland by the beginning of April.
It is understood that initial plans for a new Conservative Party in the Province — with a local leader as well as David Cameron as the national leader — went before the party’s national board in London on Monday.
Last week, UUP Assembly-man David McNarry accused the UUP’s former partners of attempting to steal some of its MLAs, something the Tories deny although they have made no secret of their desire to attract new members.
Former UUP member Harry Cullen, now a Conservative, said he was “disappointed for moderate UUP members” that the party was engaged in talks with the DUP.
“Tom Elliott rejected a wonderful opportunity to form a mainstream, pro-Union, centre-right party and play a constructive role in giving Northern Irish voters a say in UK politics,” he said.
“Yet we now learn that senior members of his team, including the UUP’s Executive minister, are looking to contract some sort of electoral marriage with the DUP.
“It’s regrettable that although they reject forward-looking, centre-right, pro-Union politics, Tom Elliott, Danny Kennedy, David McNarry and others are steering their party toward a pact which echoes the past.
“I’m sure many grassroot members will be deeply saddened by their leaders’ chosen direction.”
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
