The Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D., has responded to today¿s decision by the UUP to withdraw from North-South bodies on which Sinn Féin also sit.
In a statement released this afternoon, the Taoiseach said the decision was `disappointing' and `unhelpful'.
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The Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen T.D., also voiced dismay at the decision. He said it was a cause of concern and "some developments will be regarded as regrettable."
Mark Durkan, leader of the SDLP, launched a furious attack on Ulster Unionists, claiming they were jeopardising the Good Friday Agreement. He said: "We face very serious political difficulties as a result of this decision.
"It's a clear threat not just to one political institution under the agreement, but to several.
"What we are seeing here today is an anti-Agreement agenda that has now been adopted by the Ulster Unionist Party."
Mr Durkan, whose role as Deputy First Minister in the Northern Ireland government involves close co-operation with Mr Trimble, insisted he would still carry out all the functions of that office.
But accused unionists of imposing escalating sanctions and an escalating threat to the peace process.
He also dismissed the view that the UUP's move would ease the terrorist threat.
"There's more in their approach that will bring an end to democratic enterprise than there is to bringing an end to paramilitarism."
PA