09 June 2006

Empey dismisses MP's calls to sever PUP ties

Ulster Unionist leader, Sir Reg Empey has today dismissed calls from party's sole Westminster MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon, to sever ties with the Progressive Unionist Party.

Lady Hermon called for links to be severed with the PUP, due to ongoing activity by the UVF, to which the party is connected.

Sir Reg said that he acknowledged and respected Lady Hermon's views, however he added that the party was not prepared to walk away from the deal.

Last month, the UUP sparked outrage among politicians by inviting PUP leader, David Ervine to join their assembly group when the local executive reconvenes.

Sir Reg defended the move, saying that it would cost Sinn Fein a ministerial seat.

Lady Hermon, however, said that she was concerned with the UVF's failure to disarm and more recently their connection with the attempted murder of leading loyalist Mark Haddock. She said that the move caused her "great distress" but said that she thought it could prove worthwhile if it helped to encourage the organisation to move towards decommissioning weapons.

The UVF have stated that they will not make any moves before the November 24 deadline.

Sir Reg has responded to Lady Hermon's comments by stating that her thoughts were well known throughout the party.

He said: "The problem of loyalist paramilitaries has evolved over 35 years and this exercise cannot be completed in the space of three weeks - there is progress to be made.

"Having said that, we will know relatively quickly whether those with whom we are engaged with are being disingenuous.

"If they are, then naturally the position will have to be re-assessed and I will not hesitate to do so. This is not an unconditional arrangement."

(EF/SP)