Trimble prepared to face leadership challenge

Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble has said he is prepared to meet any challenge to leadership head on.

Mr Trimble’s UUP party lost five seats to Sinn Fein and the DUP in the recent election and the poor performance has led to rumours of the future of the party leader.

The Reverend Martyn Smith is one of the possible candidates to challenge Mr Trimble in the party’s AGM that takes place at the end of this month.

At the AGM, Mr Trimble will have to seek re-election as leader from party members.