DUP accused on risk of splitting unionist vote

A row has broken out between pro- and anti-Belfast Agreement unionists over claims that splitting the unionist vote in Fermanagh…

A row has broken out between pro- and anti-Belfast Agreement unionists over claims that splitting the unionist vote in Fermanagh/South Tyrone could hand the seat to Sinn Fein.

The outgoing MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, Ulster Unionist Mr Ken Maginnis, has urged voters to back his party colleague, Mr James Cooper.

Mr Cooper is competing with Independent Mr Jim Dixon, for whom the DUP withdrew its candidate, for the unionist vote.

Mr Maginnis said the DUP risked ceding the seat to Sinn Fein's Ms Michelle Gildernew. "The DUP seeks to surrender by proxy the Westminster seat I have held for unionism since 1983," said Mr Maginnis.

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Mr Dixon accused Mr Cooper of "scaremongering".

The anti-agreement Orange Order has urged its members to turn out in force on June 7th. Grand master of the order Mr Robert Saulters has written to members: "We recommend that you cast your vote for those candidates whose record shows them to be totally committed to the Union and who clearly uphold the principles and share the aims of our great institution."