It seems the continuing battle of wills between Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble and senior party colleague Jeffrey Donaldson has affected both individual's standing in their respective constituency associations.

Mr Trimble faces a vote of no confidence from his Upper Bann constituents while Mr Donaldson faces a similar vote in Lagan Valley after petitions were handed into their respective constituency secretary's on Friday morning.

The votes are the latest in a long line of troubles for both men as they face Monday's meeting of the UUP ruling council with regard to the future of the Royal Irish Regiment and its link with the British-Irish Joint Declaration.

The meeting was called at the behest of Mr Donaldson who is at loggerheads with the party leader over his stance with the British Government and the RIR decision.

Such quarrels have led to many constituents questioning the work carried out by both men as they continue their struggle for the mindset of the party, as they contiue to square off against each other on various issues crucial to the party.

Mr Trimble has already met his constituency colleagues to discuss ongoing concerns over party policy but it appears that he failed to reassure some members.

Mr Donaldson, meanwhile, said he is confident his constituency association will support him at the forthcoming vote.

(MB)