Ulster Unionists in N. Ireland Pick Hard-Line Leader
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BELFAST, Northern Ireland — A day into his new job directing Northern Ireland’s biggest party, Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble said Saturday he wouldn’t negotiate with IRA supporters even if they began to disarm.
“You cannot let people off the hook just because they make a purely symbolic gesture and hand in a few weapons,” Trimble said, referring to IRA resistance to turning in all weapons, a condition set by Britain for the resumption of peace talks.
Trimble, 50, was selected leader by the Ulster Unionist Party’s ruling council Friday over four fellow members of the British Parliament.
The hard-liner’s unexpected victory could complicate negotiations between pro-British Protestants and Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army.
However, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said he didn’t mind facing an Ulster Unionist hard-liner.
“Someone who is perceived to be a soft-liner couldn’t deliver,” Adams said, adding, “David Trimble should be bringing his people to the table.”
Adams is scheduled to arrive in the United States on Monday for a tour.
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