After the Ulster Unionist constituency association in East Londonderry selected its candidates for the Assembly election, there was jubilation in the party's Yes camp. The three successful nominees were supporters of the Belfast Agreement, we were told. It was interpreted as a victory for the leadership and a "defeat" for dissident MP Mr Willie Ross.
However, for the UUP leadership the situation isn't that straightforward, as only one of the candidates is a strong supporter of the agreement. But perhaps the worst news for the UUP leadership is the decision of UUP councillor Mr Boyd Douglas, a staunch opponent of the agreement, to stand independently.
East Londonderry is a predominantly rural constituency. It's a largely affluent place but there are pockets of poverty in Coleraine and Limavady. The constituency is two-thirds unionist.
Of the three UUP candidates, sources say that Coleraine councillor and local businessman Mr David McClarty is most certain of a seat. Firmly pro-agreement, he is on the party's liberal wing. He is not in the Orange Order.
Another candidate, Mr Robert McPherson, a social worker, also serves on Coleraine council. He describes himself as "just about" supporting the agreement.
The third UUP candidate, Ms Pauline Armitage, is a former mayor of Coleraine. She was absent for the council's vote on the agreement but describes herself as a "soft No". "As mayor, I had a SDLP deputy and we got on very well. I respect other people's point of view and culture. I like to keep my views on the agreement to myself."
Party insiders admit that while the UUP is certain of one seat, it will have to work hard for more. The reason is the decision by Mr Douglas to run as an "independent", although he dislikes the tag. "I am not an independent. I am a member of the UUP and I will be standing as a unionist, even though I don't have an official nomination."
The DUP is fielding two candidates: its hard-working, high-profile Derry councillor, Mr Gregory Campbell, who is certain of a seat, and a Limavady councillor, Mr George Robinson, who will struggle to be elected.
The SDLP outpolls Sinn Fein in East Londonderry by more than two-to-one. It is sure of a seat but hopes to take two, according to one of its candidates, teacher and Coleraine councillor Mr John Dallat. "We should just scrape two seats but much depends on turnout and transfers."
Sinn Fein is standing two candidates but will only get one, if any, elected. The party's post-ceasefire vote has not risen as dramatically in East Londonderry as in other constituencies. Neither of Sinn Fein's candidates was available for comment yesterday.
In the 1996 Forum elections, the fringe loyalist parties secured 4 per cent of the vote between them. The Progressive Unionist Party, the UVF's political wing, is contesting the constituency but is refusing to name its candidate until later today.
The Ulster Democratic Party, the UDA's political wing, is running former DUP member Mr David Nicholl, who believes he will do well. "Most unionists in East Londonderry supported the Belfast Agreement and our vote will improve. I will be campaigning on bread-and-butter issues."
The Alliance candidate, Ms Barbara Dempsey, hopes to build on her party's previous showing.
East Londonderry candidates
Pauline Armitage (UUP), David McClarty (UUP), Robert McPherson (UUP); Boyd Douglas (Unionist); Gregory Campbell (DUP), George Robinson (DUP); John Dallat (SDLP), Arthur Doherty (SDLP); Malachy O'Kane (Sinn Fein), John McElhinney (Sinn Fein); Barbara Dempsey (Alliance), David Nicholl (UDP); PUP candidate's name not yet announced.
Westminster election 1997
UUP 36%; DUP 26%; SDLP 22%; SF 9%; Alliance 6%