The Ulster Unionists are facing a crucial test on their attitude to republicans in government, according to the DUP.
Mr Ian Paisley Jr said he expected every UUP Assembly member to vote for his party's motion of no confidence in Mr Martin McGuinness in the Assembly next Tuesday.
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Mr Martin McGuinness
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The motion was tabled following Mr McGuinness’sadmission he was the IRA's second in command in Derry on Bloody Sunday.
"For three years now David Trimble has sought to hide from the brutal reality that he put the representatives of terror at the heart of government,"Mr Paisley, the DUP Assembly member for North Down, said.
"Through one means or another, he sought to placate, defend and then protect Sinn Féin/IRA from criticism from the ordinary unionist community.
"They exploit his inveterate weakness and praise him after each and every concession. He is their Trojan Horse to making progress on the republican agenda.
Mr Paisley said Mr David Trimble, as First Minister, would be expected to move against Mr McGuinness in the event of next Tuesday's motion being passed.
"If he does not, then it will be clear to the unionist population that the man who claims to be the defender of the Union will have become a defender of a self-confessed IRA leader."
PA