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New party has 'nothing to offer' | |
(30 minutes later) | |
The future of the union depends on a strong and united Democratic Unionist Party, its leader Ian Paisley has said. | |
He was speaking after a meeting of disaffected unionists which discussed the formation of a new party opposed to the DUP sharing power with Sinn Fein. | |
The independent MEP Jim Allister, who quit the DUP over its devolution move, addressed the meeting. | |
First Minister Mr Paisley said their "so-called political platform" had been rejected by the electorate. | |
He added: "They have nothing to offer in terms of prosperity or stability for the province. | |
"Indeed many are more interested in attacking and undermining unionism than developing and strengthening the union in the longer term. | |
"The Democratic Unionist Party has succeeded in strengthening the union by facing down republicans and insisting upon our demands." | |
Jim Allister addressed a meeting of disaffected unionists | |
About 100 concerned unionists met in County Tyrone on Wednesday evening to discuss their next move. | |
Mr Allister said it was clear that unease and opposition to the DUP and Sinn Fein in government was growing. | Mr Allister said it was clear that unease and opposition to the DUP and Sinn Fein in government was growing. |
"The task now is to channel this opposition - it is a work in progress," he added. | "The task now is to channel this opposition - it is a work in progress," he added. |
Mr Allister, who declined to take questions but read a statement to the media, said it was one of a series of meetings. | Mr Allister, who declined to take questions but read a statement to the media, said it was one of a series of meetings. |
Among those attending were Robin Sterling and Leslie Cubitt, two former DUP councillors who quit the party this year. | Among those attending were Robin Sterling and Leslie Cubitt, two former DUP councillors who quit the party this year. |
Mr Allister, who previously left the party in the 1980s after a disagreement, was opposed to the DUP executive's resolution committing to power-sharing. | Mr Allister, who previously left the party in the 1980s after a disagreement, was opposed to the DUP executive's resolution committing to power-sharing. |
He said: "The lure of office has clouded the party's judgment". | He said: "The lure of office has clouded the party's judgment". |
Others who attended the meeting told the BBC that most unionists in attendance supported the formation of a new unionist party. | Others who attended the meeting told the BBC that most unionists in attendance supported the formation of a new unionist party. |
The former East Londonderry MP, Ulster Unionist William Ross, said for some time unionists who opposed the DUP sharing power with Sinn Fein had been stunned into inaction. | |
"It has taken some time for people to get back on their feet, but they're getting back on their feet," Mr Ross said. | "It has taken some time for people to get back on their feet, but they're getting back on their feet," Mr Ross said. |
However, the current MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell, said there was little support for any new unionist grouping. | However, the current MP for East Londonderry, Gregory Campbell, said there was little support for any new unionist grouping. |
"I detect amongst the wider unionist community no appetite whatever for yet another unionist grouping," Mr Campbell said. | "I detect amongst the wider unionist community no appetite whatever for yet another unionist grouping," Mr Campbell said. |