Any deal to revive institutions would be opposed by majority of unionists - DUP

The DUP has claimed that any agreement which might arise from the Hillsborough talks would not work because the majority of unionists would be against such a deal.

However, the Rev Ian Paisley did not rule out his party reclaiming their two ministerial seats, should the Executive be restored.

The DUP leader, Dr Paisley, his deputy, Mr Peter Robinson, and several senior members of the party arrived at Hillsborough yesterday evening seeking to hand in a letter to the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair.

They complained that Mr Blair was not prepared to meet them, even though, according to Dr Paisley, the DUP represented the majority of unionists.

Mr Robinson said it was quite possible that a deal would be "cobbled together" by Mr Blair, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the pro-agreement parties.

"But whatever they cobble together will not stick because it does not have credibility within the unionist community," added Mr Robinson.

He predicted that any deal would be further to the detriment of unionism. "David Trimble will give more ground. Once again he will go back on pledges and commitments he has given. "David Trimble caves in and does whatever is expedient and will put David Trimble in power."

However, neither Dr Paisley nor Mr Robinson would exclude the possibility of the DUP once again joining the Executive, should the institutions be restored.

"We need to wait and see if that is so," said Dr Paisley. "We need to look at whatever their cobbled-together deal is, if it comes," added Mr Robinson.

Dr Paisley said Mr Blair had refused to meet the DUP delegation, which had "exposed the reality of the current fraud of a talks process".

"It is clear that the Prime Minister has no intention of seeking a democratic way forward, but again panders to the wishes of Sinn Fein/ IRA and seeks to pressurise unionists," said Dr Paisley.

"The Prime Minister sought to silence the democratic wishes of the Labour Party in London; now he seeks to silence the democratic wishes of the majority of unionists in Northern Ireland.

"As in London, the people had their final say at the ballot-box; so too will be the case in Northern Ireland.

"The Prime Minister comes to Northern Ireland not to seek democracy but to seek appeasement. That he refuses to meet the DUP puts this beyond any doubt.

In seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister only those who agree with him need apply," said Dr Paisley.