The future of the Belfast Agreement is in the hands of those least committed to it, according to SDLP leader-elect Mr Mark Durkan.
In a clear reference to the uncertainty surrounding the re-election Mr David Trimble’s as Northern Ireland First Minister caused by Mr David Weir and Ms Pauline Armitage’s refusal to back the UUP leader, Mr Durkan said those who reject the peace process must come up with an alternative.
Ms Armitage and Mr Weir are both members of the Ulster Unionist Party but have previously had the party whip withdrawn over their refusal to back their leader. If they do not support Mr Trimble on Friday then he will not have enough unionist votes to re-elect him First Minister.
"I urge then to reflect carefully in the coming days. For how they cast their votes will affect not just them but all the people of Northern Ireland and this island," he said.
This morning, Ms Armitage said she was "quite likely" to vote against Mr Trimble, adding that there should be a review of the Belfast Agreement.
Both Ms Armitage and the other UUP dissenter Mr Peter Weir have both ruled out abstaining in the vote for First Minister which takes place in Assembly on Friday.
"He has made far far too many concessions to Sinn Féin/IRA and I also believe he has given far too much input from the Republic of Ireland into this part of the United Kingdom", she told RTÉ radio.
In a speech at Trinity College Dublin this evening, the SDLP leader said that respect for human rights was at the core of achieving peace in Northern Ireland. He said a guarantee of human rights make partnership government work.
"They help to build trust - they are safeguards which make societies work in the interests of all," he said.
He also claimed that Sinn Féin were incapable of uniting Protestant and Catholics. "The bitter legacy of violence and the suspicion and distrust that it has caused means that it can never bring about real unity," he said.
Meanwhile UUP chairman Mr James Cooper said a petition to convene the 860-strong Ulster Unionist Council was an abuse of party rules.
Hardline members of the party want the council to meet to discuss Mr Trimble’s decision to recommence working with Sinn Féin in the Northern Ireland Executive.
But Mr Cooper said that the party’s 110-member executive had strongly endorsed Mr Trimble’s decision and that there was no need for a meeting. He said, however, that the request would be considered on Friday.
In a separate development, the DUP are threatening legal action against the Women's Coalition who are attempting to have themselves re-designated as unionists in an effort to secure Mr Trimble’s election.
The Women’s Coalition have tabled a motion to suspend an Assembly rule requiring 30 days notice to change the party’s designation.
If they succeed their votes will be counted as unionists votes thereby giving Mr Trimble the numbers he needs to secure unionist endorsement. Mr Trimble is assured of majority support from the nationalist side of the house.