Trimble under pressure to stand down

BELEAGUERED David Trimble last night faced the threat of a new leadership challenge without the support of his deputy after he was accused of losing the trust and confidence of his troubled and split Ulster Unionist Party.

South Antrim MP David Burnside, once a close confidant, called on him to stand aside.

Mr Trimble is due to go forward for re-election next month, but opponents insist he must go if the party has any chance of recovery. Supporters of the under pressure leader fear he could be ousted on March 27.