Elliott kicks off campaign but McCrea plays dumb on challenge

Julie Kenwell • Published 8 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

FERMANAGH became the focus of the Ulster Unionist leadership contest at the weekend.

A meeting of 100 party delegates in Enniskillen on Saturday gave MLA Tom Elliott a chance to campaign for the association's top job.

Meanwhile, MLA Basil McCrea - tipped to become Elliott's adversary - travelled to Newtownbutler on Friday to witness police operations at the contentious loyalist band parade in Newtownbutler.

While Mr. Elliott openly admitted to canvassing support at the executive meeting, Mr. McCrea refused to divulge his leadership intentions until there was a "vacancy".

When asked if he supported Mr. Elliott's bid, Mr. McCrea pleaded ignorance.

"Has he [Tom] declared? We'll wait to see what happens. There isn't a vacancy yet so our rules prevent us from saying anything until there's a vacancy. Once there is then who knows."

The Lagan Valley MLA acknowledged the political weight of our small county.

"Fermanagh South Tyrone will have a pivotal part to play in the leadership because there are so many members of the party here. The centre of the action will be in Fermanagh."

Outside of official proceedings on Saturday, Mr. Elliott used his homeground advantage to prepare for the leadership vote in late September.

"You have to use every opportunity to gather as much support as possible," he said.

It was the first time the executive meeting had been held in Fermanagh. But Mr Elliott said the decision on the location had nothing to do with his bid for leader.

The official proceedings at the Ulster Unionist Hall focused on End of Financial Year reports and the effects of the failed amalgamation of Local Government.

This is just the start of Mr Elliott's leadership campaign. The Fermanagh MLA plans to travel to as many constituencies as possible before the Autumn vote.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 08 Jul 10

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