A split has developed within Bob McCartney's UK Unionist party at Stormont. The group's four other assembly members issued a statement this afternoon saying that major differences had emerged over future strategy.
The four members said they would continue to carry out their duties through the office of their chief whip and deputy leader Cedric Wilson. In the statement, they announced that they are forming themselves within the Assembly as the Northern Ireland Unionist Party.
The four are Cedric Wilson, Paddy Roche (the former party chairman), Norman Boyd and Roger Hutchinson.
They accused Mr. McCartney of impugning their integrity at a meeting two weeks ago, which was called to deal with major differences that had emerged over decision making and future strategy. They claim that the party leader refused to withdraw the alleged comments, which they said made it impossible for them to continue to support him.
It is understood that the row at the meeting centred on Mr. McCartney's insistence that he have the authority to withdraw the party from the Assembly if Sinn Féin were appointed to office in any executive.
In their statement today, the four said it would be an act of gross political irresponsibility to withdraw from the Assembly at a time of maximum crisis for the Union.
Cedric Wilson said they had formerly tendered their resignation from the UK Unionist Party and had contacted the speaker of the Assembly, Lord Alderdice, to seek official recognition within the Assembly as the Northern Ireland Unionist Party. Lord Alderdice is taking legal advice on the matter.
Mr. McCartney said he could not understand their behaviour or the logic of their action.
