Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble was accused today of setting out to wreck the political institutions during an Assembly debate on the final Programme for Government.
As the First Minister laid out the details of the draft programme, Sinn Fein chairman Mr Mitchel McLaughlin accused him of political cowardice.
"Today's draft Programme for Government comes 48 hours after yet another UUC [Ulster Unionist Council] meeting and against the backdrop of another UUP [Ulster Unionist Party] threat to walk away from the institutions. "The unionists are fighting a concerted campaign to frustrate and delay the changes in our society that are required.
"Does this final Programme for Government for this Executive have the ability to deliver on the agenda for change in light of the political cowardice of the unionist political leadership?"
The SDLP's Mr John Dallat used the debate to attack the Ulster Unionists accusing them of seeking to undermine progress made under the Agreement.
"The No-campers of this world don't give a damn for equality, social inclusion or unemployment blackspots. They seem to believe that they can turn the clock back to the days when they reigned supreme.
The Rev Ian Paisley said the First Minister was seeking to bluff the electorate when the Executive faced collapse in January.
"We are told that he is presenting priorities for the next few years. I find it quite interesting that an attempt is being made to try to conveniently put under the carpet the reality of the situation and to pretend that all is well".
With the political process facing collapse after the UUP threat to pull out of the Executive on January 18th if the republicans have not proved their commitment to peace, Mr Trimble spoke of his commitment to providing good government for the future.
PA