Weir acted for "country before party"

Rebel Ulster Unionist MLA Peter Weir said he had put the interests of the country ahead of his party's by voting against Mr Trimble.

While he was not willing to be drawn on his and Pauline Armitage's political future in the Ulster Unionist Party for defying his leader, the North Down MLA said: "I have no intention to leave for another party or going anywhere.

"My bonds are to the party are strong, as I am sure Pauline's are, but I have got to put my bonds to the country before self interest."