The Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, is facing a new challenge to his decision to return to government with Sinn FΘin following the start of Provisional IRA decommissioning.
Anti-agreement unionists within his party have gathered the required number of signatures to hold an emergency meeting of the 850-strong Ulster Unionist Council, the party's governing body, which must now meet within 21 days, most likely on November 17th.
Meanwhile, two anti-agreement UUP Assembly members have said they are still unlikely to vote for Mr David Trimble when he stands for re-election as First Minister on Friday. Mr Peter Weir and Ms Pauline Armitage said they will not abstain - they will either vote for or against Mr Trimble.
They have asked to meet the chair of the decommissioning body, Gen John de Chastelain, to get details of what the IRA decommissioned and the time-table for further disarmament.
If even one member of his Assembly team does not support him, Mr Trimble is unlikely to be re-elected. The Women's Coalition yesterday said its two members would consider re-designating as unionists to help him.
Ms Jane Morris said they might take the action to save the Belfast Agreement. Thirty days notice is needed for Assembly members wishing to re-designate. However, the Women's Coalition has introduced a motion calling for members to be allowed to re-designate without giving the notice required.
This motion is to be discussed in the Assembly on Friday, before the First Minister election.
Mr Weir said yesterday he could not agree to return to government with Sinn FΘin while the decommissioning situation was so unclear - Gen de Chastelain's answers to questions on it had "given vagueness a bad name".
He said the people of Northern Ireland had a right to know what exactly the Provisional IRA had decommissioned and its plans for future disarmament. "People should not be patronised and treated like children. Gen de Chastelain should give them the necessary information."
Mr Weir acknowledged he was likely to be expelled from the party if he opposed Mr Trimble. Asked if he would then consider joining the DUP, he said he would have to "evaluate all my options".
The letter requesting a UUC meeting was signed by 60 members of UUP constituency associations. They said the meeting was necessary "to discuss the party's participation in the government of Northern Ireland in the light of recent political developments and to consider proposals we will advance with regard to the same".
The chairmen of the Ulster Unionist Constituency Associations said they were disappointed with the demand for a meeting. The Executive had already overwhelmingly supported Mr Trimble's policy and they criticised those who "continually want to undermine the party leadership".
Meanwhile, the Progressive Unionist Party - which Mr Trimble also relies on for Assembly votes - said its support could not be taken for granted. It is understood the PUP is still likely to vote for Mr Trimble .