UUP Door Is 'Open' To Disaffected DUP Members

New Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said the door of his party was 'open' to any disaffected DUP councillors and members who may want to join.

He said: "Our door is always open to people who want to come to the Ulster Unionist Party, but if they want to do so they come understanding the Ulster Unionist Party values and I will talk to them and anyone who wants to come to make sure they understand that before I offer them the ability to join.

"If we bring anyone in, and we are a welcoming party, it must be going in our direction, seeing Northern Ireland through our eyes.

"We have had conversations with a few individuals. No MLAs have approached me from the DUP; we may have some from local government, and other members and activists who may be talking to us now.

"That is seeing what they think and where they want to go and what is their vision for Northern Ireland.

"If it matches ours, if we have somewhere where they can fit into our party and structures and promote what is good for Northern Ireland then we can offer them a place in the Ulster Unionist Party.

When asked to clarify that some DUP councillors were having conversations with him about joining the UUP, Mr Beattie said: "Oh yes, without a doubt there is a few. Not hundreds, but there is a number. We will speak to them and they will know what we stand for."