Elliott enters UUP leadership race

Madeleine Logan • Published 24 Jun 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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FERMANAGH and South Tyrone MLA Tom Elliott said he had not expected to be sought out to contest the Ulster Unionist Party leadership.

Mr Elliott announced his candidacy for the top job on Tuesday, a decision prompted by identities within the party and supported by senior MLAs including Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, Deputy Leader, Danny Kennedy and chief whip Fred Cobain.

If successful in the autumn takeover from vacating leader Sir Reg Empey, the senior Fermanagh Orangeman would inherit a party at a junction.

He would not only have to work to rebuild the UUP brand after a disappointing election. He would also have to decide its future direction after an internal review into the Conservative pact and future of pan-unionism with the DUP.His only likely competitor at this stage is Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea.

"Life's all about opportunities and you take the opportunities when they arise," Mr. Elliott said speaking to The Impartial Reporter yesterday(Wednesday).

"It's not something I expected at this stage.

"I was encouraged by a significant number of people in the last number of weeks."Mr Elliott said he would offer the party "traditional Ulster Unionism" and a vision to rebuild the unionist community.

"I have served quite an apprenticeship through the ranks of the party," he said.

"It puts me in strong position as I know very well the workings of the party," he added.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 24 Jun 10

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