UUP leadership candidates 'must oppose any SF deal'

A senior Ulster Unionist today told candidates for the party leadership they must oppose any form of devolution which would see Sinn Féin in government if they are to stand any chance of securing his backing in the contest.

South Antrim Assembly member David Burnside again ruled himself out of running in next week’s leadership race but told those bidding to succeed David Trimble they must make it clear there could be no deal with Sinn Féin on power sharing.

“I am ready to support a new leadership which may have to show courage at Stormont to tell the DUP that any deal with Sinn Féin is bad for the Union,” Mr Burnside said.

“I am reserving my judgment until I hear what all the leadership candidates have to say on party policy, the admission of mistakes made in recent years and where the UUP goes in the future.

“We need a leader who can go to Stormont and will not be cajoled into going into government with IRA/Sinn Féin who have proven themselves unfit for ministerial office.”

In last month’s British general election, the South Antrim MLA was one of four MPs, including David Trimble, who lost their seats.

Only Lady Sylvia Hermon held her seat in North Down but has ruled herself out as a leadership contender.

Mr Trimble was forced to quit as leader after the UUP also lost 40 council seats in local government elections.

Former Stormont Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey is the current favourite to win the leadership battle on June 24.

Strangford Assembly member and ex-aide to David Trimble, David McNarry has also launched a bid.

North Down Assembly member Alan McFarland today became the third UUP leadership candidate to declare his hand.

With leadership hopefuls having until Friday to declare their intention to run, the 55-year-old former British army major insisted his military background would help him unite the party and instil in its members the discipline needed for electoral success.

Mr McFarland, who is also a member of Northern Ireland’s Policing Board, 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 judgment on political PR issues.

“To that end, our internal structures need to be improved and a tight sense of self-discipline introduced.

“The party also has to rededicate itself to ‘bread and butter’ politics, out there in the community.

“We have to matter, to make a difference and to improve the lives of individuals in our society.”

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.

Veteran UUP peer Lord Maginnis, a former MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, is reported to be considering entering the leadership race.

Ex-UUP deputy leader Lord Kilclooney, a former MP for Strangford, is also believed to be only interested in becoming a temporary leader.