THE ULSTER Unionist Party and the British Conservatives have agreed on nine of the 18 candidates who will fight the forthcoming Westminster elections under the joint banner of the Ulster Conservatives and Unionists – New Force (UCUNF).
The candidates include a former Irish rugby international, a former high-profile broadcaster and a successful impersonator of Freddy Mercury of Queen.
Solicitor Trevor Ringland, who played rugby for Ireland and is behind the anti-sectarian One Small Step campaign, will run in DUP First Minister Peter Robinson’s East Belfast constituency.
Former UTV news anchor Mike Nesbitt, who has stood down as one of the North’s four victims commissioners, is running in Strangford where Iris Robinson recently retired as MP.
Harry Hamilton, who as Flash Harry leads a Queen tribute band, is standing in Upper Bann. Daphne Trimble, wife of former UUP first minister Lord (David) Trimble, is standing in Lagan Valley where one of Lord Trimble’s long-standing adversaries, Jeffrey Donaldson is the DUP MP.
UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy is running in Newry and Armagh. Bill Manwaring is challenging Sinn Féin’s Gerry Adams in West Belfast, UUP MLA John McCallister is standing in South Down, Sandra Overend is running in Mid Ulster and Ross Hussey is running in West Tyrone.
UUP leader Sir Reg Empey described the candidates as a “formidable team” and hoped the remaining nine candidates to be agreed between his party and the Tories would be announced soon.
North Down MP Lady (Sylvia) Hermon, who has refused to stand under the UCUNF banner, said the decision was difficult and caused her a lot of sadness. She has still not decided whether to stand in North Down as an Independent, where she would be expected to hold her seat comfortably.
Lady Hermon said she would follow the “four Ts” advice of her late husband, the former RUC chief constable Sir John Hermon. “I will take time to think,” she told The Irish Times.
Meanwhile, Alliance leader David Ford has confirmed the decision of his party’s ruling council to give him the green light to be nominated for the post of minister of justice. The only other nomination so far is North Belfast SDLP Assembly member and lawyer Alban Maginness.
Mr Ford is favourite to take the post if the appointment is made as scheduled under the Hillsborough Castle Agreement on April 12th, as he is likely to have the backing of DUP First Minister Peter Robinson and Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.