Trimble resignation set for July

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble today threatened to resign as First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive unless the IRA begins decommissioning its weapons.

Mr Trimble said that disarmament had to begin by the target date set by the International Commission on Decommissioning at the end of June.

He told Assembly speaker Lord Alderdice that he had handed in a letter of resignation: ‘‘I have this day signed and lodged with you a letter resigning as First Minister as from 1st July 2001. This letter will take effect unless before that date the republican movement keeps the promise it made over a year ago.’’

Mr Trimble said he had taken the decision to lodge the letter because 'there was so little time left' and because some in republican circles feel they can walk away from their obligations.

The news comes on the day when the British Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to call the British general election.

That announcement, expected in the early afternoon, is expected to have influenced the UUP leader’s decision, as he is expected to face a major backlash from the DUP for sitting in government with Sinn Fein ministers.