New Unionist group may have different agenda

The DUP is expected to stay away from this afternoon's launch of a new group, arguing for Unionist unity.

It appears the new group was set up without the prior endorsement of the Ulster Unionist Leader, David Trimble, provoking questions about its real agenda.

The group is opposed to power-sharing with any party that does not exclusively work towards peaceful and democratic means.

However, it is thought that members of the new group, MPs Jeffrey Donaldson and David Burnside, may now be a challenge to David Trimble as elections get closer.

The DUP say the group are only making a last minute attempt at publicity.