Rebel Unionist MPs suspended

The Ulster Unionist Party has suspended its president the Rev Martin Smyth and two other MPs, David Burnside and Jeffrey Donaldson, sources said tonight.

The move came as a disciplinary committee met for the first time to consider the future of the three rebel MPs opposed to the leadership of David Trimble and the Good Friday Agreement.

A source said: “The three have been informed of the decision and they are entitled to attend a disciplinary hearing next month.”

The suspension of the three MPs signalled a dramatic escalation in the internal strife which has created the most serious crisis in the party in 30 years.

The decision followed their resignation of the party whip at Westminster because of their opposition to Mr Trimble and his peace process strategy.

The Rev Smyth once challenge Mr Trimble for the party leadership but Mr Donaldson is by far the most outspoken critic of his leader.

Mr Donaldson said he was shocked by the move and he and his two colleagues were seeking legal advice to have their suspensions rescinded.

“I’m absolutely astonished at the decision of the disciplinary committee to suspend myself and my two parliamentary colleagues from the Ulster Unionist Party,” he said.

“We have not been afforded any opportunity to state our case before this decision was made.

“I do not think there is any provision in the rules of the Ulster Unionist Party for disciplinary action to be taken against a party member before he has had the opportunity to have his case heard.

“I believe that this decision can be challenged and we are currently seeking legal advice.”