Trimble policy `shift' alleged

THE DUP yesterday questioned the political consistency of the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, when it published a document…

THE DUP yesterday questioned the political consistency of the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, when it published a document allegedly written by him nine years ago.

The document, What Choice For Ulster?, sweeps aside the options of devolution for Northern Ireland and integration with Britain and opts instead for independence. The UUP secretary, Mr Jim Wilson, accused the DUP of engaging in election dirty tricks.

According to the DUP, Mr Trimble wrote: "It is now time for the unionist community to seriously consider whether the best way of protecting its vital interests is not some form of independence. We cannot therefore continue to allow London to misgovern us but must now take steps to govern ourselves.

"Many fear independence in any form because of the fear that we could not afford it. Well, can we afford not to do it? When we come to agree on the inevitability of some form of independence we can shape our political offensive."

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The DUP contrasted Mr Trimble's reported words then with his commitment in the current UUP election manifesto that "the Union is at the heart of our vision for the future".

Criticising Mr Trimble the DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, said "If he has changed his position it does speak unkindly of his consistency and leaves substantial doubts as to the likelihood of further position shifts of significant proportion."

The UUP's Mr Wilson said that by making such allegations the DUP was actually harming its own election chances.