UUP leader contender McCallister delivers baby

Harry is the second child for John McCallister and his wife Jane

Ulster Unionist leadership candidate John McCallister played midwife on Thursday when his second child was born a week early.

The South Down MLA delivered the baby boy at home after his wife Jane went into labour a week early.

Mother and 7lbs 10ozs Harry James are now doing well in Craigavon hospital.

The drama began about 07:00 BST and Mr McCallister said ambulance control talked him through the procedure over the telephone.

The now father-of-two described it as "fantastic news".

With no experience of delivering a baby, Mr McCallister had to depend on the voice at the end of the phone.

"Jane went into labour and this baby was definitely coming," he said.

"The ambulance control said support the head, support the baby and the baby popped out and gave a wee cry. We're both delighted.

"Baby Harry came very quickly, maybe not the most glamourous of settings being born on the bathroom floor, but he's arrived safe and well.

"Maybe if I lose on Saturday, I can retrain as a midwife."

Mr McCallister and Strangford MLA Mike Nesbitt are both vying for the leadership of the party.

The election will be head at the UUP AGM in Belfast on Saturday 31 March.