UUP is united, says Nicholson

The Ulster Unionist Party is united, a senior member insisted today.

As UUP members prepared for a tense meeting of their ruling council following claims of a row between their chief negotiator Alan McFarland and leader Reg Empey over his decision to take a Stormont ministry, MEP Jim Nicholson defended his party leader.

"The Ulster Unionist Party was united before the election, during the election and is united after it," he declared.

"Everyone agrees on the need to move forward, reform and to modernise to meet the demands of politics in Northern Ireland in the 21st Century.

"It is the job of the party leader to take on board member's concerns, listen to their views, take advice and to consult but at the end of the day it is his job to make decisions that are in the best interests of the party and of the people of Northern Ireland.

"I believe Reg Empey did just that."

Supporters of Empey have accused elements within the party of trying to undermine his leadership by leaking reports that there was a row between him and Mr McFarland.

Some sources claimed Mr McFarland was opposed to Empey taking a ministry after the party's disappointing performance in the March Assembly election, arguing he should spearhead efforts to revive the party.

The North Down MLA was reported to have turned down an offer for him to become Health Minister which went instead to South Belfast Assembly member Michael McGimpsey.

Neither Mr McFarland nor Empey have commented publicly on the claims.

Empey, who will be the Employment and Learning Minister in the new power sharing executive, is expected to outline at the meeting of his ruling council in Belfast tomorrow his plan for a six-month consultation on party reforms.

Democratic Unionist Assembly member Jimmy Spratt dubbed Mr McGimpsey the Health Minister by default.

Noting the departure of former UUP leader David Trimble to the Conservative party, the South Belfast MLA observed: "The Ulster Unionist Party is in a mess.

"This has been a very bad week indeed for the UUP.

"There is in-fighting, deserting, and treachery - seemingly just another week in the UUP. What can we expect of this soap opera next week?"