The latest bid by Ulster Unionist MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson to forge unionist unity lacks clarity, the Democratic Unionist deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson claimed tonight.
Mr Robinson told party members in Antrim the seven Stormont Principles outlined by Mr Donaldson and former UUP leader Lord Molyneaux fudged the line between support for the Belfast Agreement and opposition to it.
While insisting his party supported genuine attempts to bring unionists together, Mr Robinson argued "such initiatives must be encapsulated in sound policy rather than merely providing a veneer of catchy phrases without substance.
"The current drive for unity lacks clarity. Is it designed to unite all parties and groupings calling themselves Unionists? Does it envisage bringing together the Progressive Unionists, UK Unionists, Northern Ireland Unionist Party, DUP and both wings of the UUP? Or is it an attempt to unite on principle?" he asked.
Mr Robinson said the Belfast Agreement was the greatest cause of unionist division over the past five years.
Any set of principles which failed to deal with this issue were worthless, he argued. "The unionist community stands at the crossroads," he declared.
"One path leads to implementing the current deal, which will deliver permanent terrorist representation in Government, galvanising the embryonic all-Ireland structures with Sinn Fein consent required for major political decisions, the other road is a new deal, a democratic deal.
"Only a vote for the DUP can force these negotiations and a re-drawing of the political map," he concluded.