Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues, and thank you for coming today.
I am grateful to you all for taking time away from your home and family, not simply to make your views known, but also to demonstrate your continuing loyalty to the Ulster Unionist Party.
And thank you, too, for once again entrusting me with the highest honour that this Council can bestow—that of leading the party.
In its 102 year history—during which it forged and sustained the link between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom— the Ulster Unionist Party has rarely faced such testing times. As ever, though, the bedrock support of the Ulster Unionist Council has ensured that the party remains as committed to its core values as it has been since 1905. And, in the moments of our greatest need, it has been the delegates to this Council who have taken the toughest decisions and weathered the worst storms. I am grateful to you all for your efforts and your loyalty.”
Continue Reading E-mail April 21st, 2007
David Christopher
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, friends and colleagues, and thank you for coming today.
I am grateful to you all for taking time away from your home and family, not simply to make your views known, but also to demonstrate your continuing loyalty to the Ulster Unionist Party.
And thank you, too, for once again entrusting me with the highest honour that this Council can bestow—that of leading the party.
In its 102 year history—during which it forged and sustained the link between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom— the Ulster Unionist Party has rarely faced such testing times. As ever, though, the bedrock support of the Ulster Unionist Council has ensured that the party remains as committed to its core values as it has been since 1905. And, in the moments of our greatest need, it has been the delegates to this Council who have taken the toughest decisions and weathered the worst storms. I am grateful to you all for your efforts and your loyalty.
Friends, I wish we were meeting in happier circumstances. I believe that we fought a good, gaffe-free campaign; built around a policy agenda that was relevant, costed and forward thinking.
I wish, too, that we were meeting without the shadow of media stories about further splits hanging over us. There never needed to be a public squabble about who would lead the charge for reform, for it is clear from the resolution that it was a matter for review by the Executive Committee and this Council. What matters most is that the job is done. And that is what we have agreed today.”
Continue Reading E-mail April 21st, 2007
Sir Reg Empey MLA
