Trimble set to face rival faction as bitter showdown nears

RIVAL wings of the Ulster Unionist Party were yesterday heading towards another bitter showdown.

As party officers prepared to set a date for a meeting next month of their 900-member ruling council, sources close to UUP leader David Trimble said he would soon announce plans to face down his critics.

Supporters of Jeffrey Donaldson, the Rev Martin Smyth and David Burnside have requested a meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council over attempts to discipline the three rebel MPs.