Ulster Unionist Party leader Mr David Trimble was today accused of being a "spent force" in Northern Ireland politics who had earned the derision of republicans.
Mr Trimble's hardline unionist rival, Mr Peter Robinson, claimed the First Minister had "got nothing" from British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair on sanctions against Sinn Féin over claims of IRA activity.
The Democratic Unionist Party minister also accused Mr Trimble of being happy to share power with Sinn Féin for a long time and claimed the First Minister only began chest beating with the Assembly election approaching.
"There is nothing in the Sinn Féin/IRA behaviour today that distinguished it from the Sinn Féin/IRA that David Trimble voted into ministerial office in the Assembly three years ago," Mr Robinson said.
"The impending election is the only new factor. Does David Trimble really think people cannot see through his play acting?
"He unsuccessfully tried this wheeze before the Westminster election. It didn't work then and a repeat version is less likely to help him now. Once again, poor David got nothing and is going nowhere," said Mr Robinson.
PA