Unionists row over Dublin 'interference'

Rival unionist parties were today embroiled in a bitter row over plans to increase co-operation with the Republic of Ireland.

Ian Paisley’s hardline Democratic Unionists have accused the pro-Agreement Ulster Unionists of supporting more Dublin interference in the affairs of Northern Ireland.

Mr Paisley vowed to resist any move to increase the number of cross-border implementation bodies formed under the Good Friday Agreement.

But the Ulster Unionists hit back today, insisting that they were not calling for an increase in the number of north south bodies.

A UUP spokesman claimed remarks made by First Minister David Trimble after a North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting at Stormont this week had been misrepresented.

He said: ‘‘The First Minister indicated he would be prepared to look at the possibility of formalising within the NSMC other areas of co-operation.

‘‘The Ulster Unionist Party is not advocating the creation of new north south bodies.

‘‘We are prepared to examine areas for developing co-operation for mutual benefit within the existing NSMC structures,’’ he added.

Mr Paisley had accused the UUP leader of trying to ‘‘hoodwink voters so that he can pursue his own concession-granting agenda’’.

He said: ‘‘Once again Trimble is embarking on a plan to short-change unionists, thus allowing Dublin to interfere in matters that affect the people of Northern Ireland on a daily basis.’’