12/04/2005
McCartney to stand aside in North Down election
Former MP for North Down Robert McCartney has confirmed he will not be standing in this year’s general election for his former seat.
The UK Unionist leader, who won the seat in a by-election in 1997, said he was standing aside after securing a manifesto commitment from the DUP that it would not join an inclusive coalition with Sinn Fein.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's 'Good Morning Ulster' programme on Tuesday, Mr McCartney said he had met with DUP leader Ian Paisley and his deputy Peter Robinson to seek assurances on the matter.
"They gave me a categorical assurance that they would in no circumstances enter an enforced coalition under the d'Hondt system or any other,” he said.
Mr McCartney said he had also gained a commitment from the DUP leadership that it would not enter into a voluntary coalition with republicans either.
The move will see an even tighter contest between sitting MP Lady Sylvia Hermon of the UUP and DUP candidate Peter Weir.
The presence of Alliance's candidate David Alderdice in this year’s poll could make the contest between the DUP and Ulster Unionists even closer.
(MB/GB)
The UK Unionist leader, who won the seat in a by-election in 1997, said he was standing aside after securing a manifesto commitment from the DUP that it would not join an inclusive coalition with Sinn Fein.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's 'Good Morning Ulster' programme on Tuesday, Mr McCartney said he had met with DUP leader Ian Paisley and his deputy Peter Robinson to seek assurances on the matter.
"They gave me a categorical assurance that they would in no circumstances enter an enforced coalition under the d'Hondt system or any other,” he said.
Mr McCartney said he had also gained a commitment from the DUP leadership that it would not enter into a voluntary coalition with republicans either.
The move will see an even tighter contest between sitting MP Lady Sylvia Hermon of the UUP and DUP candidate Peter Weir.
The presence of Alliance's candidate David Alderdice in this year’s poll could make the contest between the DUP and Ulster Unionists even closer.
(MB/GB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2005
Paisley expresses 'shock' at IICD declaration
DUP leader Ian Paisley has expressed his "shock" at information given during discussions with Independent International Commission for Decommissioning (IICD) chief General John de Chastelain. Dr Paisley requested the meeting following yesterday's announcement that the IRA had decommissioned all of its weapons.
Paisley expresses 'shock' at IICD declaration
DUP leader Ian Paisley has expressed his "shock" at information given during discussions with Independent International Commission for Decommissioning (IICD) chief General John de Chastelain. Dr Paisley requested the meeting following yesterday's announcement that the IRA had decommissioned all of its weapons.
28 May 2021
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.
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.
12 January 2010
Time To Make Policing Deal: Durkan
There is further pressure this afternoon for the long-awaited establishment of a Stormont Policing and Justice Department. SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said today that the 'space' created by Peter Robinson's decision to stand aside as First Minister must be used to deliver policing and justice and powers.
Time To Make Policing Deal: Durkan
There is further pressure this afternoon for the long-awaited establishment of a Stormont Policing and Justice Department. SDLP Leader and Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said today that the 'space' created by Peter Robinson's decision to stand aside as First Minister must be used to deliver policing and justice and powers.
20 October 2025
Trial Of Jeffrey And Eleanor Donaldson To Be Delayed Until 2026
The sex abuse trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson is to be delayed after Judge Paul Ramsey received updates in relation to Mrs Donaldson's health. During a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court, Judge Ramsey vacated the trial date of 03 November.
Trial Of Jeffrey And Eleanor Donaldson To Be Delayed Until 2026
The sex abuse trial of former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife Eleanor Donaldson is to be delayed after Judge Paul Ramsey received updates in relation to Mrs Donaldson's health. During a brief hearing at Newry Crown Court, Judge Ramsey vacated the trial date of 03 November.
29 April 2021
Call For Next DUP leader To Recognise 'Political Landscape In NI Has Changed'
The next DUP leader should "recognise that the political landscape across NI has changed", according to Sinn Fein. Vice President Michelle O'Neill also wished Arlene Foster and her family well after she announced she is to step down as DUP leader and First Minister.
Call For Next DUP leader To Recognise 'Political Landscape In NI Has Changed'
The next DUP leader should "recognise that the political landscape across NI has changed", according to Sinn Fein. Vice President Michelle O'Neill also wished Arlene Foster and her family well after she announced she is to step down as DUP leader and First Minister.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.