The new Ulster Unionist leader, Tom Elliot, has told his party's annual conference that he isn't a "political dinosaur" and has insisted that he is an inclusive unionist.

Elliot, who has faced criticism for remarks he made about the GAA and gay pride, yesterday said unionism should appeal to people of all races, religions, and backgrounds. He attacked the "DUP-Sinn Féin carve-up" and the system of mandatory coalition at Stormont. He said he wanted to see voluntary coalition instead, and also a more effective opposition.

Elliot secured the leadership after the UUP's disastrous performance in May's Westminster elections under Sir Reg Empey. The party failed to have any MPs elected. The UUP's link-up with the British Conservative party proved deeply unpopular with voters. Elliot told delegates it wasn't "the right time" to discuss the link-up but added that the UUP still needed a strong tie with a British national party.