Nicholson insists UUP is united

Ulster Unionists want the party to unite in the run-up to this June's European Parliament elections, the party's candidate Mr…

Ulster Unionists want the party to unite in the run-up to this June's European Parliament elections, the party's candidate Mr Jim Nicholson has claimed.

The UUP vice-president, who is the only MEP defending a seat in Northern Ireland's three-seater constituency, issued the call after Mr David Trimble saw off another challenge to his leadership.

Mr Trimble secured almost 60 per cent of the backing of his party's ruling council in the leadership vote. Challengers Mr David Hoey received 21.6 per cent of the vote while Mr Robert Oliver secured 17.6 per cent.

Their challenge came after South Antrim MP David Burnside called for a change of leadership.

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Mr Burnside said after Saturday's vote it was still his view that Mr Trimble could not unite the UUP.

However, Mr Nicholson said yesterday that from discussions he had had with many members of the party it was clear they wanted the UUP "to unite at every level".

"This is vital in the lead-up to the European election on June 10th - an election the party is going to fight enthusiastically.

"The Ulster Unionist Council has made its decision. I am pleased to hear that senior members want to pull together in the interests of unionism.

"We need to rebuild the party at every level, leaving the past behind."