The Democratic Unionists today urged disaffected Ulster Unionist MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson to join their party.
Lisburn DUP councillor Mr Edwin Poots today confirmed his party had invited Mr Donaldson to join them in his Lagan Valley constituency just hours before he lost a crucial showdown with UUP leader Mr David Trimble on the peace process.
Mr Poots said the DUP had not been in talks with Mr Donaldson about his defecting to them but had since sent a letter to Mr Donaldson saying that he would be "most welcome" in the DUP.
"The door has been left on the latch and all Jeffrey has to do is to lift the latch and come in," he said. "Unionism, if it is going to speak at all, should speak with a strong voice and the DUP offers that strong voice".
Mr Donaldson last night confirmed he was considering his position in the UUP but said he would remain the local MP whatever the outcome.