Play
Stop
Nine News: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports on the prospects for the incoming UUP leader
Play
Stop
Six One News: Tommie Gorman, Northern Editor, reports on last night's decision and the future for the party
The Taoiseach has congratuled Sir Reg Empey on his election as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.
Mr Ahern said that Sir Reg was a very able and skilful negotiator in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
The 57-year-old, who was the favourite to take the leadership, was elected last night on the second count at a meeting of the Ulster Unionist Council.
He defeated Alan McFarland by 321 votes to 287.
Speaking after his election, Sir Reg confirmed the UUP would not join a power-sharing government if Sinn Féin cut a deal with the DUP.
An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has offered his congratulations to Mr Empey. He said the Ulster Unionists remain a significant player in the political landscape of Northern Ireland.
