Jeffrey Donaldson, Warned of consequences of plan
Anti-Agreement Unionists have warned David Trimble that any plans to reduce the influence of the Orange Order in his party could backfire. Jeffrey Donaldson and a number of other anti-Agreement MP's warned that the leadership's plans could be misinterpreted as an attempt to muffle opposition. Mr Trimble has announced that he is to propose a set of reform measures which could stop the Order and other anti-Agreement groupings sending delegates to the party's policy-making council. If the plans for the modernisation of the party go ahead, they could be in place before this summer's July 12 celebrations.
Anti-Agreement Unionist Denis Watson also warned Mr Trimble that it would be an electoral mistake for him to sever links with the Orange Order. This week it was announced that Mr Watson, the head of the Orange Order in Armagh, had defected from the Ulster Unionist party to join Ian Paisley's DUP. Many now believe he will take on David Trimble in the next Westminster election.
