Hermon pulls out of UUP leadership race

SYLVIA HERMON last night dramatically withdrew from the race to succeed David Trimble as the leader of the Ulster Unionists.

Ms Hermon, the party’s last remaining MP after its dismal Westminster election performance, was considered the clear favourite to become leader.

In addition to her status as the party’s sole MP, she has a high profile, is popular among colleagues, and is firmly identified with the liberal wing of the party.

However, when she told RTÉ 10 days ago that she was considering putting her name forward, the North Down MP said her candidacy was contingent on her family situation.

Ms Hermon has two young sons and her husband, former RUC chief constable Jack Hermon, is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

In a statement released last night, she cited those personal commitments to her family as the main reason for her withdrawal.

“I greatly regret the disappointment my decision will cause, not only to colleagues who have been so generous in their support, but also to the many people throughout Northern Ireland and beyond who have so enthusiastically encouraged me to enter the leadership race” said Ms Hermon.

“They will, I trust, come to understand the rightness of my decision in the present circumstances.”

Senior UUP sources told the Irish Examiner that her decision had not come as a great surprise, given her family considerations.

The sources said that none of the potential candidates have had enough time to take soundings on their support levels within the Ulster Unionist Council (UUC), which will decide the issue.

The remaining contenders may include Reg Empey and former deputy leader John Taylor (now Lord Kilclooney), though neither has officially declared their candidacy.

The race is regarded as wide open.

However, the UUC has conservative tendencies and may reject any other candidate from the liberal wing of the party.