New alliance talks by DUP rebels

Ex-members of Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionists who quit over his power-sharing deal with Sinn Féin are in talks about forming a new alliance, it emerged today.

Five councillors in their former leader’s Ballymena, Co Antrim stronghold have now walked away from the party in disgust at the decision to sit alongside republicans in a new Northern administration.

Another two representatives are believed to be considering their positions after the latest resignations.

James Alexander, the town’s mayor, and Robin Stirling, who last year led the drive to have Mr Paisley granted the freedom of Ballymena, announced their departures on Monday night.

They are to continue to serve on the local authority as independents, but one of those who left earlier confirmed exploratory talks about a possible coalition have been held.

Councillor Sam Gaston said: “We are looking at further down the line.

“Those two only went last night and we haven’t had a chance to have discussions with them.

“But between the (other) three of us we have had some discussions. It’s not good to have too many independents and no say in anything.”

Mr Gaston and Roy Gillespie, a founding member of the DUP, have declared themselves Protestant Unionist councillors since quitting.

The fifth to go, former Ireland Rugby International David Tweed, may share their views, Mr Gaston claimed.

The clutch of resignations mean the DUP has lost overall control of Ballymena Council.

Along with the councillors crying betrayal, DUP MEP Jim Allister and Audrey Patterson, a representative in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, have also severed their party ties over Mr Paisley’s historic pact with Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams.

The two political enemies sat down together at Stormont a week ago to announce they will co-operate in a new devolved regime starting in May.