The battle over the future of Ulster Unionism enters its final phase today with intense lobbying by both sides ahead of tomorrow's Ulster Unionist Council debate on the devolution and decommissioning deal worked out in the Stormont talks.
While usually reliable sources were adamant that an experienced politician such as Mr David Trimble would not have gone ahead with the meeting unless he was confident of victory, there were signs that canvassing by the No lobby was narrowing the gap.
Estimates of Mr Trimble's margin of victory were being gradually revised downwards as details emerged of a discreet, but active, campaign by opponents.
The vote is expected to be taken by secret ballot, which is considered helpful to Mr Trimble. Although he is still thought likely to win, sources close to the UUP leadership reported "nerves" and "a lot of worry".
The position of Mr John Taylor remained an enigma. However, he refused an invitation to issue a joint appeal with Lord Molyneaux to oppose the Stormont deal. Nevertheless No campaigners insisted: "He is sitting on the fence but looking our way." A secret ballot could mean Mr Taylor's vote might never be revealed.
The No lobby held private meetings throughout Northern Ireland this week. An office with eight telephone lines was set up in Belfast and opponents of the deal - mostly younger party members - canvassed for as long as eight hours a day.
Political training in the US, provided to young unionists as part of the peace process, was ironically being employed to defeat the Mitchell plan.
The UUC's membership of 858 includes 120 representatives of the Orange Order and these have been called to a meeting at the order's headquarters tonight.
While there was some doubt as to how many would attend and whether they would obey a possible mandate to vote No, opponents of Mr Trimble were hopeful of winning a high proportion of the Orange group. The Orangemen are likely to be reminded of the Order's policy of "No guns, no government".
The meeting at the Waterfront Hall is due to start at 10 a.m. and a news conference announcing the result is scheduled for 2 p.m.
As to whether Mr John Taylor's opposition would make the difference between victory and defeat, Mr Trimble says in an interview with The Irish Times today that it would make "a huge personal difference" to him. He said he respected Mr Taylor's judgment and was in continuing discussion with him.
Asked if he could now object to Sinn Fein's participation in the proposed new police board, Mr Trimble says it would . . . "certainly challenge them to act responsibly with regard to policing in Northern Ireland."