A challenge to Mr David Trimle’s leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party by Mr Jeffrey Donaldson with Sir Reg Empey as his deputy is reported to be gathering support in the party.
Neither of the mooted challengers have publicly commented but the Belfast newspaper The Newsletterthis morning reports that the idea is attracting support from both senior party officials and at grassroots level.
The Donaldson/Empey ‘dream ticket’ is considered a viable option for uniting both pro and anti-Agreement factions within the party. The newspaper reports that Sir Reg would lead the party at the Assembly while Mr Donaldson would be the senior official and lead the party’s Westminster representatives.
The Democratic Unionist Party’s gains at last week’s elections have created disaffection with Mr Trimble’s leadership of the Ulster Unionists leading to speculation that he will be challenged at the rescheduled annual meeting of the party’s Council tomorrow week.