Anti-agreement Ulster Unionist MPs were today accused of playing into their leader Mr David Trimble's hands by putting their names forward for the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Hardliners Mr Jeffrey Donaldson and Mr David Burnside are expected to stand in next May's Assembly elections after a meeting of party officers tomorrow.
But former Ulster Unionist Assembly member Mr Peter Weir said the pair were helping to prop up Mr Trimble and the pro-Agreement wing of the party.
"To have any chance in the election, David Trimble needs both to present the facade of a united party and to appeal to at least some anti-Agreement voters.
"He is desperate for Jeffrey Donaldson and David Burnside to run to help him achieve this. Sadly by putting their names forward they are playing into his hands".
Mr Weir, who earlier this year switched his allegiance to the DUP, said Mr Donaldson and Mr Burnside must withdraw from the May elections if they failed to succeed in removing Mr Trimble after next month's showdown. "The only alternative for them is to breathe new life into a failed Agreement and a failed unionist leader".
Mr Burnside, replying to Mr Weir's attack, said he was not in the business of criticising fellow unionists.
It is understood that Mr Trimble will support Mr Donaldson and Mr Burnside's bid to be granted dispensation to stand but will demand they support party policy.
PA