Two of Ulster's main political parties were last night hit by defections.
Edward Hanna (25), deputy chairman of the DUP's youth association, announced
he would be switching allegiance to the Ulster Unionists. He charged the DUP
with moving from its community base and becoming arrogant.
Mr Hanna, from Dromara, spent three years on the DUP Executive until last
year and works for the Ulster Scots Agency.
"The centre of DUP politics has moved from its community base and
people have taken to being very arrogant and not entirely out of touch but
certainly politics driven by the people" he said.
"The DUP completely ripped up their manifestos after the elections.
There was no consultation with the people, there was no consultation
anywhere."
A spokesman for the DUP said: "The DUP is very much in tune with its
grassroots. The accusation that the DUP ignores the grass roots is
inaccurate.
"In this case it would be best described as sour grapes. It is up to Mr
Hanna if he wishes to use arrogance and rumours as an excuse and cover."
And Alliance announced that Andrew Muir, (pictured above), the former
chairman of the SDLP's Bangor branch, was joining.
Mr Muir insisted his decision was in no way a criticism of leader Mark
Durkan.
But he argued that with the SDLP on course to merge with Fianna Fail this
year, the time was right to realign himself with a party "in tune with
the real issues facing Northern Ireland today".
"The politics of Northern Ireland are now fundamentally different than
in 1998, when the Good Friday Agreement was signed, never mind 1970 when the
SDLP was formed," he said.
"As a passionate supporter of the Good Friday Agreement, the Alliance
Party provides me with a natural centrist home in the post-nationalist era
we now live.
"The threat of terrorism and environmental catastrophe now means that
the need for European unity outweighs desires for old fashioned Irish unity.
But an SDLP spokesman claimed Mr Muir's departure was motivated by personal
ambition.
Hi: 18°C / Lw: 13°C
Nadal powers to title after epic win over Federer
Revealed: Ulster's most dangerous roads
Hammond and May refuse to sign new contracts
Deputy First Minister in Baghdad for peace mission
Thomas Beattie gives birth to healthy baby girl
Iran warns: attack us and we'll strike you back
Visting the city? Check out our guide to the capital
Swimsuit photo shoot in buildup to Vietnam final
Mandela honoured with the class of 2008
Video tribute as Queen's honours James Ellis
Supporters that made Euro 2008 one to remember
Fashion of the wives throughout the tournament
Pop princess Minogue wows fans at Odyssey gig
Try your luck in our GAA 'pick the score' competition
Looking forward to the famous biking event
Ship's Belfast beginnings celebrated in exhibition
Applauding Ulster's most exceptional women
Special report on Northern Ireland's worst house fire
Celebrating excellence at the inaugural awards gala 
Special multimedia report on Belfast Wheel