WORLD / EUROPE
British MP bids to become leader of N.Ireland’s crisis
Published: Jun 22, 2021 07:08 PM
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Sunday. On the same day, she had a phone call with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreeing to continue Brexit trade talks. Photo: VCG

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends a press conference at the EU headquarters in Brussels on Sunday. On the same day, she had a phone call with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreeing to continue Brexit trade talks. Photo: VCG

British MP Jeffrey Donaldson on Monday announced his candidacy for the leadership of Northern Ireland's unionist DUP party, after internal divisions forced the party's leader to resign amid Brexit-related tensions.

"It is with optimism for the future and recognition of the challenges facing Northern Ireland that today, I put my name forward for the leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party," Donaldson said in a statement. 

"I believe that if I am elected leader, I can... put the Democratic Unionist Party on the path to victory at next year's election," he added. 

Donaldson had previously indicated he would give up his position as a member of parliament in Westminster if he won the nomination and potentially became head of the Northern Ireland government. 

Candidates for the DUP hot seat have until noon on Tuesday to apply, and Donaldson is currently the only person in the running. 

Edwin Poots, who became leader of the ultra-conservative party only three weeks ago, announced his resignation last week, the victim of an internal rebellion, similar to the one that brought down his predecessor Arlene Foster.

She was accused of having allowed customs controls to be put in place for goods coming from mainland Britain, creating an internal border. 

But Poots was brought down by anger in his camp following last-minute concessions to Sinn Fein over a new power-sharing government, as provided for in the 1998 Good Friday agreement. That deal ended the Troubles the 30-year conflict between pro-UK unionists and pro-Ireland republicans. Before being forced out, Poots appointed loyalist Paul Givan as the province's first minister, a role he assumed on Thursday, but which he will be under pressure to relinquish once the new DUP leader is elected.