South Belfast election blow for UUP

The Ulster Unionist Party was dealt an election blow today when it was confirmed that a South Belfast branch of the party has disbanded because its members want to back the DUP's Westminster candidate Jimmy Spratt.

Branch president, Margaret Clarke, who works for outgoing UUP MP Martin Smyth, said the 15 members of the Willowfield branch did not support the party's candidate Michael McGimpsey.

Last week, former UUP leader Lord Molyneaux and Mr Smyth were photographed with Mr Spratt as well as being quoted as expressing support for the former RUC Federation Chief.

However, Mr McGimpsey said the photograph itself was not an endorsement, “despite DUP spin”.

Sinn Féin candidate for South Belfast Alex Maskey said that while today’s news came as no surprise to many it did mean that the constituency was now a “four way contest” between himself, the SDLP’s Alaistair McDonnell, Mr Spratt and Mr McGimpsey.

“The results of the Assembly poll clearly indicate that four candidates are in the shake up for this seat and at present nobody can call the result,” he added.

(MB/GB)