A decision on the Patten proposals is expected shortly, possibly this week, from the Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson. As the pressure begins to build up again on the weapons question, the UUP deputy leader in Westminster, Mr John Taylor, warned that the executive would collapse if the IRA did not move on decommissioning. Decommissioning must be seen to be done.
Public confidence demands that the publicly visible destruction of surrendered weapons happens.
We want substance, not action cloaked in shadows. Pressure is also coming from politicians in the moderate camp.