A senior Ulster Unionist MP has said there is no reason why his party should not eventually merge with the Democratic Unionist Party. Mr David Burnside (South Antrim) said, however, there was little chance of unionists joining forces while Dr Ian Paisley remained as DUP leader.
"He has had his independent party since 1970 and I wouldn't expect him to change," he said. "He will retire at some time, retire and move on; when that happens the DUP will have to look at their future and I hope the unionist party will look at its future as well.
"I think there are a number of elements and individuals within the DUP whom the majority of unionists could work very closely with. I don't think it is realistic short term but at least we should have some sort of liaison and understanding so we are not fighting each other."
Speaking to The Irish Times yesterday, Mr Burnside warned that the Northern Executive would collapse even if the IRA were to begin decommissioning. Only Sinn FΘin's complete compliance with the Mitchell principles could prevent the planned withdrawal of Ulster Unionist ministers, he said.
"A mere gesture of two southern Irish arms dumps when the IRA is operative and involved in links with FARC and other organisations would not be acceptable in my opinion."
In the event of its collapse, the Assembly should be replaced by a body with lesser powers, along the lines of local government authorities or other British regional assemblies, Mr Burnside said.
"I want Northern Ireland to have powers similar to those in England and Wales. I don't want to be less British, I want to be more British. I don't want us to be seen as a place apart."
Meanwhile, the SDLP has criticised a Sinn FΘin suggestion that British ministers sit in the North's Executive. Mr Mitchel McLaughlin said Mr Blair could appoint Northern Ireland Office ministers to cover five departments in the event of a unionist withdrawal.
SDLP MLA Mr Eamon O'Neill said: "After years of calling for 'Brits out' they are now calling for 'Brits in'. It is certainly not what the people of Ireland want."