Election debate challenge rejected

David Trimble threw down a challenge to Ian Paisley

The Democratic Unionist Party has dismissed a challenge for its leader Ian Paisley to participate in a television debate with Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble.

Mr Trimble had accused Mr Paisley of "running away" from television studios during the Northern Ireland Assembly election campaign.

Mr Trimble said Mr Paisley needed to state his position on being in government with Sinn Fein.

But the DUP's Nigel Dodds said the offer amounted to the "last desperate throw of a leader who knows that he is losing the election".

On Friday, Mr Trimble accused Dr Paisley of "running around the countryside avoiding studios, avoiding debate, avoiding participating with others".

"So here's a challenge,"he added. "I have participated in debates. I have been making do with monkeys, while the organ grinder is elsewhere.

"Now I want to have a proper debate at leadership level. So I challenge Dr Paisley, come and debate.

"Let us talk these matters together and find out what your position actually is with regard to being in government with Sinn Fein, which you say you won't be in, though you were."

Ian Paisley: Party said he would not participate

However, North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds brushed off Mr Trimble's challenge.

"Mr Trimble has very little support out on the ground and within his own party. He surrounds himself with nodding dogs which he can't even allow on TV," he said.

"In every television programme that I've seen, it is Mr Trimble, Mr Trimble, Mr Trimble. Nobody else can be trusted to deliver the message and half his party and candidates won't even be seen anywhere near him.

"The reality is that it is always the call of those who are losing the election for this type of stunt.

"The reality is that we have taken on Mr Trimble. We have beaten him in the argument. He knows it, we know it and that is going to be reflected in the election with the result on 26 November," he added.