I'm not quitting, says defiant Trimble

David Trimble vowed not to quit as Ulster Unionist leader last night, amid a new challenge from hard-line party members over his power-sharing with Sinn Féin.

The UUP chief appears to be on a collision course with rank and file members after they demanded an urgent meeting to oust republicans from the devolved government at Stormont.

But he insisted last night he would still be in charge by the time of the next scheduled elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He said: "There are some realities in this situation and I will continue to lead the party into next May."