Mystery has long been a feature of John Taylor's political career. "It has always been a case of wondering what he would do next and why," said a colleague last night.
The UUP deputy leader often left David Trimble dangling during the peace process. He would go to ground before a key meeting and there would be a frenzy about his voting intentions. Sometimes, he would appear at the eleventh hour to support his leader. Other times, he didn't show up at all.
He was widely seen in the UUP as an opportunist. "John sees what way the wind is blowing and blows accordingly," says one source. He was the UUP's chief negotiator at the Stormont talks that led to the Belfast Agreement.
Mr Trimble last night described him as a "party man". But most of his colleagues view him as a "me feiner". He has once again taken them by surprise.
The DUP says Mr Taylor (63) is running scared of Iris Robinson, who will contest his Strangford constituency at the next election. "Our private polls show Iris ahead," one member said. "John is a shrewd operator. He will have conducted his own polls. He would rather resign than be defeated."
Mr Taylor has been a Westminster MP for 18 years. He was elected MP to the former Stormont Parliament when he was only 28. Appointed Home Affairs Minister, he was the youngest Cabinet member. He was renowned for both his talent and hardline views. He wanted Border roads blown up, vociferously supported internment, and was blamed for helping create the climate that led to Bloody Sunday.
In February 1972 he survived an Official IRA assassination attempt. Seventeen bullets ripped through him. His jaw was smashed into 33 pieces - he keeps them at home in a jar. The doctors reckoned he had a 100-1 chance of survival. He endured 10 operations. "They said I survived because I was built like a camel with great reserves of mind and body. I have eaten well without guilt since," he stated.
He has a reputation as a bon viveur. A wealthy businessman, he owns farmland and a string of weekly newspapers. He has a holiday home in north Cyprus. His great love is his daughter Hannah (11) whom he fathered late in life.