We remain committed to pushing all paramilitaries to deliver the peace they promised. We are justifiably hurt by sections of the party who question our good faith on this. John Taylor has said we should give republicans three months to prove their good faith on weapons. I understand your point John, but I think three months is too long when republican promises made in May have not been kept. But what we do, when we do it, should be the result of careful, quiet consideration.
People talk about electoral meltdown.
Yes, the electorate sent a message on Patten. But a return to the failed tactics of yesteryear is not the answer. The electorate will not forgive if unionism is marginalised again. Polls show that 75 per cent of UUP supporters want the agreement to work. By-elections prove it.