Democratic Unionist Party deputy leader Peter Robinson today rejected criticism from David Trimble over his party's proposals for restoring the Assembly.
Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble yesterday accused the DUP of watering down demands for IRA decommissioning before devolution could be restored. "I don't think those who voted for the DUP voted for that," he added.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster 's Inside Politics Programme, Mr Robinson said the paramilitary wing of republicanism was an obstacle to Sinn Féin's progress.
"The advantage for the system is that it actually, for the first time, makes Sinn Féin want to get rid of its weapons.
"If it wants to have a full role in the government of Northern Ireland, then it can get rid of the weapons. It is completely within its control," he told
The proposals were also criticised by the nationalist politicians, with some claiming they were a rehash of failed policies of the past.
Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said it "smacks to me of an attempt to return to majority rule.
"Nationalists voted for inclusive government. Nationalists voted for the
all-Ireland architecture in the agreement," he added.
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan said the proposals were long on rhetoric and scant on
detail. "The DUP's strand one proposals appear to fall short of the agreement," he
added.