Public opinion crucial, Trimble warns UUP

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said tonight he wanted to see rival factions within his party unite around a common position as tension mounted in the run-up to a crucial meeting of the UUP’s ruling executive.

As pro- and anti-Good Friday Agreement wings of the UUP wooed party members in the run-up to Saturday’s meeting, Mr Trimble confirmed that there were frantic efforts taking place behind the scenes to find common ground.