Hot contest ahead for Maginnis' position

Supporters and opponents of the Good Friday Agreement in the Ulster Unionist Party are certain to hotly contest the position of veteran MP Ken Maginnis who retires at the next election.

They will battle it out at the end of the month to replace Mr Maginnis as candidate for Fermanagh and South Tyrone at the next general election.

Solicitor James Cooper, who has been election agent for Mr Maginnis, and is on the pro-agreement wing of the party, is the favoured candidate of David Trimble's party leadership.

The Enniskillen lawyer is vice-chairman of the Ulster Unionist executive committee and his name has been mentioned as a possible successor to Lord Rogan, who is standing down as party president at the annual general meeting later in the year.

Mr Cooper, 50, says he will announce within days whether he will seek the nomination.

He said: "I have been approached by a number of people to put my hat into the ring and I am very actively considering that and will make my intentions clear at the beginning of next week."

Mr Cooper is sure to be challenged for the seat held by Mr Maginnis for 18 years by the anti-agreement wing of the party.

Ulster Unionist honorary secretary Arlene Foster, also an Enniskillen solicitor, is seen as likely to seek the nomination.

Ms Foster is the daughter Stormont environment minister Sam Foster, a supporter of the agreement and close confidant of Mr Trimble.