This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/8529052.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Hermon rejects joint Tory ticket Hermon rejects joint Tory ticket
(about 2 hours later)
UUP North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she will not apply to stand for election under the joint Ulster Unionist and Conservative banner.UUP North Down MP Lady Sylvia Hermon has said she will not apply to stand for election under the joint Ulster Unionist and Conservative banner.
The UUP's deadline for nominations in North Down closes at 1700 GMT.The UUP's deadline for nominations in North Down closes at 1700 GMT.
The BBC understands that the Ulster Unionists have selected nominees in all constituencies apart from North Down.The BBC understands that the Ulster Unionists have selected nominees in all constituencies apart from North Down.
Lady Hermon remains adamant she will not stand under a Conservative banner, but behind the scenes there are ongoing talks aimed at reaching a compromise.Lady Hermon remains adamant she will not stand under a Conservative banner, but behind the scenes there are ongoing talks aimed at reaching a compromise.
The Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force (UCUNF) electoral link-up between the two parties was forged in 2008.The Ulster Conservatives and Unionists - New Force (UCUNF) electoral link-up between the two parties was forged in 2008.
'Exceedingly difficult''Exceedingly difficult'
BBC NI political reporter Stephen Walker said that of all the 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland, North Down has given the Ulster Unionist Party its "biggest headache".BBC NI political reporter Stephen Walker said that of all the 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland, North Down has given the Ulster Unionist Party its "biggest headache".
"Lady Hermon has always insisted she is against the electoral alliance with the Tories and won't stand on a joint Conservative and Unionist ticket," he said."Lady Hermon has always insisted she is against the electoral alliance with the Tories and won't stand on a joint Conservative and Unionist ticket," he said.
"A potential compromise could involve Lady Hermon standing as an Ulster Unionist but agreeing to support the Conservatives in key votes."A potential compromise could involve Lady Hermon standing as an Ulster Unionist but agreeing to support the Conservatives in key votes.
"The Ulster Unionists' sole MP says she has not been given details of exactly how this dispensation would work and she recognises that it is exceedingly difficult."The Ulster Unionists' sole MP says she has not been given details of exactly how this dispensation would work and she recognises that it is exceedingly difficult.
"Officially, the Conservatives say that if Lady Hermon puts her name forward she must sign up to the Tory manifesto and take the Conservative Whip at Westminster.""Officially, the Conservatives say that if Lady Hermon puts her name forward she must sign up to the Tory manifesto and take the Conservative Whip at Westminster."
On Tuesday night, a joint Conservative-Unionist committee will meet to discuss their candidates list, and final decisions will be ratified by both party executives on Wednesday.
The UUP and Conservatives are to select candidates to stand in Westminster and European elections.The UUP and Conservatives are to select candidates to stand in Westminster and European elections.
In October, the Conservatives selected Ian Parsley to stand in North Down.In October, the Conservatives selected Ian Parsley to stand in North Down.
A former Alliance Party member, Mr Parsley joined the Conservative Party in September 2009.A former Alliance Party member, Mr Parsley joined the Conservative Party in September 2009.