The Rev Ian Paisley's DUP will be the centre of attention this afternoon when the review of the Belfast Agreement begins.
The Democratic Unionists are at Agreement talks for the first time.
After November's Assembly elections the party emerged as the biggest in the North and key defections from Mr David Trimble's Ulster Unionists has further boosted their standing.
Having boycotted talks in the past, DUP deputy leader Mr Peter Robinson insists the Agreement is not a basis for future power-sharing and must be dismantled.
"The Belfast Agreement arrangements did not provide stable, accountable, efficient or effective self-government," Mr Robinson said. "Let there be no mistake, change must occur".
DUP deputy leader Mr Peter Robinson
The DUP are opposed to entering local government with Sinn Féin while the IRA remains armed. However, there are strong indications the party will on Friday propose an interim government in which Sinn Féin will be afforded some power.
However, they are likely to demand a firm commitment on IRA disarmament and are adopting a policy of not talking directly to Sinn Féin.
The DUP are cautious about releasing details of their proposals but it is understood the interim does not envisage an executive of ministers. Significant reform of the way the Assembly operates is also on the DUP agenda.
The UUP are suffering internal problems caused by the defections of Mr Jeffrey Donaldson and two other high ranking members, however, and Mr Trimble has conceded it will take a month or so for the "dust to settle".
His party have been critical of the DUP, saying Dr Paisley's party have already effectively conceded the Agreement cannot be renegotiated.
The review begins this afternoon at Stromont with statements read out by the parties. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen and Northern Secretary, Mr Paul Murphy will be co-chairs.
The two governments are determined to have a speedy review - concluding around Easter. But although Dublin insists there can be no renegotiation, London, exasperated by the lack of progress since the Agreement first emerged on Good Friday 1988, is more open to significant change.