Donaldson has ‘no regrets’ on walk out from Good Friday Agreement negotiations

The then UUP MP refused to back the proposed early release of paramilitary prisoners without firm commitments on decommissioning terrorist weapons.

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson photographed at the gates of Hillsborough Castle (Brian Lawless/PA)

Twenty-five years after walking out of the Good Friday Agreement peace talks, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has insisted he has no regrets.

The current DUP leader was a senior member of the Ulster Unionists’ negotiating delegation back in 1998.

Hours before the historic accord was struck, the Lagan Valley MP famously left Castle Buildings at Stormont in protest at what his party was about to sign up to.