Founding DUP member resigns over power-sharing deal

A founding member of the DUP has resigned from the party in protest at its plans to share power with Sinn Féin in May.

Roy Gillespie, a party member for more than 40 years, is the third DUP councillor in Ballymena to resign in recent weeks.

Mr Gillespie said today that he was still in a state of shock and mourning after Monday's meeting between DUP leader Ian Paisley and Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.

His resignation follows the departure earlier this week of MEP Jim Allister in protest at the planned restoration of power-sharing.

Several other leading DUP members have also expressed unease about the move, but it is unclear if they are willing to resign over the matter.