Trimble's wife loses selection contest

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble’s wife tonight suffered a setback to her dream of becoming an MP when she lost a selection meeting.

Daphne Trimble was defeated by businessman Basil McCrea during a selection contest for the Lagan Valley constituency.

Forty-five-year-old Mr McCrea, who is a divorcee with two children, secured 93 votes at the selection meeting in Dunmurry while Mrs Trimble got 54 votes.

He will now be the Ulster Unionist candidate against Democratic Unionist Jeffrey Donaldson.

Mr Donaldson quit the Ulster Unionists earlier this year after years of feuding with David Trimble over party policy.