Trimble prepares for crucial week

By BBC NI political correspondent Mark Simpson

The Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, has found the perfect way to prepare for one of the most crucial weeks of his political life - a flight to Canada.

Stormont's first minister flew out of Northern Ireland on Saturday knowing that when he returns to Belfast late on Monday he will have just four days left to prepare for a make-or-break meeting of his party's ruling council.

But after a hectic round of engagements last week, which ranged from meeting the Dalai Lama to budget negotiations, Mr Trimble was more than happy to take the chance for a "breather" in North America.

The anti-agreement camp in his party is trying to force Ulster Unionist ministers out of the power-sharing executive.

Mr Trimble believes more patience should be exercised, but his exact strategy is unclear. He will have plenty of time to think about it during his three-day break in Canada.

David Trimble: Hectic round of engagements last week

The reason for the trip is to pick up an honorary doctorate from the University of New Brunswick, but his mind is likely to be on another prize - maintaining his leadership of the Ulster Unionist Party.

If Jeffrey Donaldson MP and his anti-agreement colleagues manage to force a change in party policy - against the leader's wishes - the "men in grey suits" may come looking for Mr Trimble.

It is not inconceivable that the Yes and No camps within the party could manage to come together at the last-minute on a common policy (perhaps an agreed date by which UUP ministers would pull out of the executive in the absence of a start to IRA decommissioning).

But, at this stage, it seems the party faithful will be left with a straight choice between the Donaldson plan and the Trimble plan.

If that is the case, the UUP leader might be wise to use his time in North America to ring the US Presidential hopeful George Bush and ask to borrow one of his slogans - "For those of you who are for me, thanks for your help... for those who are for my opponent, please only vote once!"

Mr Trimble's hold on his party has been slipping in recent months - 47% of council delegates voted against him in May when he sought permission to return to the power-sharing executive.

At Saturday's meeting, every vote will count. And just like the American presidential contest, the result is too close to call.