City’s most senior UUP man quits party

Terry Wright, a lifelong member of the UUP and until recently, Deputy Chair of the party as well as Chair of the Foyle Unionist Association, confirmed the move in a statement released a short time ago. Mr Wright had indicated his unease with the current set-up within the UUP for sometime, but it will still come as a shock to many that such a senior figure within the organisation in the North West has chosen to step away after many decades involvement. However, he has indicated today that he has no current plans to align himself to any other political party. But, he did describe the current make-up of the UUP as “survivalist rather than principled.”

In the statement. Mr Wright said: “ I have today advised the UUP that I will not be renewing my subscription for the 2013.

“I have been considering my membership for some time and have discussed my concerns with former senior colleagues in the UUP and valued friends in Foyle.

“At the party AGM I supported John MacCallister MLA mainly because of his stand on taking the party into Opposition. It is a matter of record that the overwhelming view of the party reflected in the comprehensive victory of Mike Nesbitt MLA was for an alternative strategy.

“Since that time I have grown uneasy with the direction in which the UUP seems to be travelling with particular regard to a closer relationship with the DUP. In addition I remain of the view that the UUP should give renewed consideration to going into Opposition although admittedly, given its internal difficulties, it is now in a weaker position than before.

“At the Party Conference the Party Leader referring to the Mid-Ulster Bye-election seemed to send a codified message regarding unionist co-operation. Around the celebration of the Covenant there were clear indications of greater linkage with the DUP and this has been evident again over the flag protests and the Political Forum.

“I find the working for the greater good of Unionism and stronger linkage or unity of purpose and strategy between the UUP and the DUP a contradiction in terms.

“It is survivalist rather than principled. It is not the inclusive, open and participative unionism to which I believe Unionist must aspire. It condemns politics and the country to choice by labelling and tribal identity

“Clearly there are those within the UUP who take a different view and it is this divergence in approach which leads to differences in tactics and strategy too often manifested in public squabbling and personality clashes.

“It runs through the party like a fault-line and erodes the confidence and morale of members at a local level.