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UUP's ruling body fails to back talks deal

THE Ulster Unionist Party has failed to back the Stormont House Agreement following a meeting of its executive.

The party's ruling body gathered on Saturday but there was no agreement to fully back the proposals in the 14-page document.

It was the first chance the party had since the five Northern Ireland Executive parties finally thrashed out a deal before Christmas. However, it is understood leading UUP members were unhappy with the level of detail the document provided. Among delegates' concerns was the deferral of a decision on flying the Union flag on public buildings to a 15-person panel later this year.

The commission tasked with dealing with flags, identity, culture and tradition is expected to be established by June and asked to report by December.

It will include two members from the executive's big two parties and one from the three smaller parties, while the remaining eight members will be drawn from outside of government.

There was also concern at the cancelling of a panel to look at parading issues in north Belfast.

It is understood a motion tabled by Tom Elliott, pictured, to note the heads of agreement in the document was passed, with final judgment reserved until more detail could be provided. Last week a meeting of Sinn Féin's Ard Chomhairle ratified the agreement.

DUP leader Peter Robinson, meanwhile, said he would recommend it to his party executive. However, the deal has been criticised by other executive parties.

SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell said the outcome was "not comprehensive".

He said he would "acknowledge and agree with what is strong... but not deny what is weak". Alliance leader David Ford said it fell "short of community expectation". Although the party also agreed the heads of agreement, Mr Ford expressed concern at the number of unresolved issues.