Two Ulster Unionist MPs who are sceptical about the Good Friday Agreement are seeking permission to stand in next year's assembly elections.

Jeffrey Donaldson and David Burnside said they would put the proposal to a meeting of party officers next week.

Under party rules, Ulster Unionist MPs must win the approval of party officers in order to stand for the assembly.

Mr Donaldson, who is the MP for Lagan Valley, wanted to run in the last assembly elections but was not allowed.

David Burnside wants current system changed

David Burnside, who represents the South Antrim constituency in the Commons, is not happy with the current political arrangements and has said he will work to change them.

Officers will consider the applications at a meeting on Friday of next week.

Fellow party MPs Lady Sylvia Hermon and Roy Beggs, have indicated they will not be putting their names forward for the assembly.

South Belfast MP the Reverend Martin Smyth, said he was unlikely to seek permission to stand, but had yet to make a final decision.

The only member of the Ulster Unionist Party to sit in the Commons and Stormont is the leader, David Trimble.

Former party deputy leader John Taylor, now Lord Kilclooney, was also elected to the assembly but decided not to contest his Strangford Westminster seat at last year's general election.