THREE PROMINENT Ulster Unionists are threatening to sue the DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson over what they claim are libellous remarks.
Party leader Sir Reg Empey said he and two colleagues, Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey and East Belfast election candidate Trevor Ringland, have begun an action against Mr Robinson over allegations he made against them in a BBC interview concerning a strip of land near the DUP leader’s home.
The three Ulster Unionists are also suing the BBC.
In the interview, Mr Robinson fielded questions about a small area of land beside his east Belfast home which he bought from a property developer and later sold on for just £5.
Sir Reg commented publicly on the issue last month. But Mr Robinson responded during a lengthy interview on BBC television and radio. His comments are the subject of the legal case taken by the three Ulster Unionists.
Sir Reg said at the weekend that he had listened to advice from his colleague Mr Ringland, a solicitor and former Irish rugby international, and from other legal professionals.
The announcement of the legal challenge was made at the weekend, less than a week before polling in the Westminster election in which Mr Robinson, Sir Reg and Mr Ringland are candidates.
The DUP leader is defending his East Belfast seat in which Mr Ringland is a prominent challenger. Sir Reg, also from East Belfast, is contesting the South Antrim seat against Mr Robinson’s colleague the Rev William McCrea.
Mr Robinson has not yet remarked on the planned legal action.