There is barely any difference in the UUP and DUP now, according to the ex Ulster Unionist party member Basil McCrea.
On a visit to the News Letter office on Friday, just hours after announcing his resignation from the UUP, Mr McCrea spoke of his feelings on the party.
He said: “I want to stand for a party that’s prepared to stand for itself.”
Joining Mr McCrea was South Down MLA John McCallister who announced his resignation from the party on Thursday evening, just ahead of the news that unionist unity candidate Nigel Lutton will stand in the Mid Ulster by-election.
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