McFarland to announce candidacy for UUP leadership election

Former British Army major Alan McFarland today entered the race to become leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

The North Down MLA is the third candidate to announce his intention to succeed David Trimble, who stood down after last month's British election.

Last week former Stormont Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey confirmed he would stand against Strangford UUP Assembly Member David McNarry.

Launching his leadership bid, Mr McFarland, 55, said: "The last election showed that a large part of the unionist electorate has lost confidence in the Ulster Unionist Party.

"They either stayed at home or supported the DUP. If the UUP is to rebuild confidence and trust, it must look like a party that deserves a vote - not one riven with internal squabbles and a bad sense of judgement on political PR issues."

Mr McFarland said his training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, combined with his 18-year career in the army and experience as a management consultant, have equipped him well for the demands of leading the UUP.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mr Trimble stood down as leader after the UUP lost four House of Commons seats in the election, leaving it with just one MP.

Veteran peer Lord Maginnis is also expected to enter the race, while former deputy leader Lord Kilclooney has expressed interest in taking over only as a temporary leader.

The contest will be held on June 24, with nominations closing seven days beforehand.

It will be the first leadership battle since the Protestant Orange Order severed its links with the UUP in March, removing a bloc of about 120 delegates on the Ulster Unionist Council.

Iraq war hero Colonel Tim Collins last week turned down a suggestion that he should stand for the leadership from Lord Kilclooney on the grounds that he had no political experience.

Mr McFarland will announce his leadership bid at a press conference in Craigavad later today.