The DUP has tabled a motion in the North's Assembly calling for an early election. Party leader the Rev Ian Paisley said voters must have the opportunity to have their say on the political situation.
The Assembly's business committee must agree to the motion being debated. Even if a debate goes ahead, two-thirds of the Assembly will have to support it in order to force an election.
The motion comes ahead of an important meeting of the Ulster Unionist Party's ruling body, the Ulster Unionist Council (UUC), later this month. The UUC will debate whether the party should continue in government with Sinn Féin. Dr Paisley accused the UUP leader of clinging to power. "The time for words is past. It is time to halt the slide in Northern Ireland. While Mr Trimble and his party concentrate on self-preservation, Sinn Féin/IRA are allowed to continue to set the agenda and pace."
Ulster Unionist Environment Minister Mr Dermot Nesbitt claimed the DUP motion was "another publicity stunt doomed to failure".
SDLP Finance Minister Mr Sean Farren criticised the behaviour of both the DUP and Mr Trimble's internal UUP critics. "Once again, anti-agreement unionists within and without the UUP are indulging themselves in another round of the now familiar game of cul-de-sac politics."
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin yesterday urged all the parties in the Assembly to join together to oppose sectarianism. Chief whip Ms Sue Ramsay said a clear signal must be sent out that recent violence must stop. "Sectarianism is unacceptable and we must use our combined efforts to address the situation and bring it to an end."