Unionists withdraw quit-power-sharing motion

Hard-line Ulster Unionists today withdrew a motion calling for the party to quit the power sharing executive on March 1 if total IRA disarmament hadn’t been achieved.

An amendment by anti-agreement South Antrim MP Davie Burnside calling on the party to withdraw from All-Ireland ministerial meetings on February 28 if the RUC name, flag and symbols weren’t retained will now be put to the delegates.

Mr Burnside’s motion also calls for a review of the party’s position in government if there hasn’t been any more progress on decommissioning.

It is expected to be put before the 160-strong Ulster Unionist Council meeting in Belfast Waterfront Hall.

A counter motion by party leader David Trimble urging members not to tie his hands over decommissioning is expected to be put before the council later.

The Burnside motion is being described by the No camp as an attempt to achieve a compromise.