New UUP leader rules out single unionist party
Robin Swann was confirmed as the party's new leader after Mike Nesbitt resigned during last month's assembly election count.
Last updated 8th Apr 2017
The north Antrim assembly member was officially confirmed in the new post at the party's AGM on Saturday.
Mr Swann was the sole candidate for the post.
Speaking at the conference, Mr Swann dismissed calls for a unionist amalgamation.
"A single unionist party would limit choice, stifle debate and quickly result in the depletion of unionist votes at the ballot box.
"I am in the Ulster Unionist Party - we are in the Ulster Unionist Party - because we believe in its vision, its policies and its priorities.
"No other party comes close to representing the brand of unionism that we have and I believe in.''
He added: "It would also run the risk of driving those who consider themselves unionists, but only with a small U, into the arms of a party which is at best agnostic to the union, and it would leave many others with no-one to vote for at all.''
The UUP returned 10 Assembly members, down from 16 before the recent election during which the number of seats available was reduced.
The five main parties have until Good Friday to form a new Executive or direct rule could be reintroduced.
Mr Swann said recent talks are proving disappointing.
"This party did not take the leap it did almost 20 years ago to see parties continue in a cycle of never-ending negotiations," he said.
"Standing at the great height of 5ft 3ish, I have had my experiences of people trying to bully me and push me around... trust me - I have never been pushed around, nor do I intend starting to let people push me around, nor will I allow this party to be pushed around.
He added: "And whilst I do not rule out any possibilities, if these talks end up being talks and agreements made by two parties for the benefit of two parties, then I say let it be an Executive of two parties."