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20/04/2005
DUP now the mainstream unionist party - Donaldson
Lagan Valley DUP Westminster candidate Jeffrey Donaldson has claimed that his party is now the mainstream unionist party in Northern Ireland.
Speaking on Wednesday, the former UUP member denied his party was “extremist”, as it has been labelled by UUP leader David Trimble.
“To label the DUP as ‘extremists’ is a ludicrous accusation,” Mr Donaldson said. “Over the past number of years the DUP has been uniting unionists right across the Province. We are the only people who are able to lead for unionism and far from being on the extremes we are the mainstream unionist party.
“Unionism is revitalised and confident for the first time in decades and our position is being vindicated by traditional unionists everywhere.”
Responding, UUP Chief Whip Roy Beggs said the DUP “remain on the extreme right of British politics”.
“The DUP are a party of opposition and one of the 'far right' in British politics,” the Ulster Unionist candidate for East Antrim said. “Their core message has always been based on fear and opposition, and voiced in the rhetoric of sectarian sound bites and heckling. That is the reality in the ground in my constituency.”
(MB/GB)
Speaking on Wednesday, the former UUP member denied his party was “extremist”, as it has been labelled by UUP leader David Trimble.
“To label the DUP as ‘extremists’ is a ludicrous accusation,” Mr Donaldson said. “Over the past number of years the DUP has been uniting unionists right across the Province. We are the only people who are able to lead for unionism and far from being on the extremes we are the mainstream unionist party.
“Unionism is revitalised and confident for the first time in decades and our position is being vindicated by traditional unionists everywhere.”
Responding, UUP Chief Whip Roy Beggs said the DUP “remain on the extreme right of British politics”.
“The DUP are a party of opposition and one of the 'far right' in British politics,” the Ulster Unionist candidate for East Antrim said. “Their core message has always been based on fear and opposition, and voiced in the rhetoric of sectarian sound bites and heckling. That is the reality in the ground in my constituency.”
(MB/GB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Much of the day will be dry with some hazy sunshine. Thickening cloud will bring some patchy rain from the southwest later in the afternoon. Warm. Maximum temperature 17 °C.Tonight:This evening will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, these clearing away towards midnight. Then the rest of the night will be dry with clear periods. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
