Trimble explains resignation decision

Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has said he had no option but to announce his resignation following last week's Westminster election.

Mr Trimble said he would be standing down after losing his seat to the Democratic Unionist Party.

The UUP also lost two other seats in the election, reducing its Westminster representation to just one MP.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Mr Trimble said resigning as UUP leader was the only course of action and added that it had been in his mind for some time.

"The run-up to the election, in party terms, was to lay the basis for a transition to someone else who could carry on the task of leading the party," he said.

Mr Trimble also said he had no regrets about negotiating and signing the 1998 Good Friday Agreement and was certain that the future development of the North would be based on that agreement.