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Nessuna fusione tra UUP e DUP

Ulster Unionists reject DUP merger

The Ulster Unionist Party has rejected the idea of a unionist unity pact with the DUP.

Party leader Sir Reg Empey made the announcement after a meeting of the party’s executive on Tuesday night.

There had been speculation that a possible merger was in the works, following meetings between the two parties in December 2009 which were facilitated by the Orange Order at their Belfast headquarters.

Further talks between the parties were also held at Hatfield House in England in January, chaired by shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson.

It now appears that the UUP will forge ahead with their electoral pact with the Conservative party heading into the Westminster elections.

UUP deputy leader Danny Kennedy told UTV that while the parties won’t be merging, they will continue to co-operate with the DUP.

“There was a very good discussion, a very constructive discussion in terms of the political situation (at Tuesday night’s meeting),” said Mr Kennedy.

“There wasn’t any hostility within the meeting.

“Any talk of a merger with the DUP was always going to be premature. The party executive have clearly signaled their view on a potential merger.”

He added:”But in terms of co-operation it’s a slightly different matter, and of course ongoing discussions are likely to take place on unionist co-operation both in terms of the assembly and indeed any other election.”

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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