Mr David Trimble is likely to press unionist criticisms of Dr Mo Mowlam, the Northern Ireland Secretary, during discussions later this week with the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair.
The UUP leader last night said he had "no plans" to meet Mr Blair before the New Year. But there was speculation in London and in unionist circles that the prime minister would seek an early opportunity to review both political and security developments, not least to gauge how they have impacted on Mr Trimble's attitude to the Stormont talks.
London is anxious about the developing opposition to Mr Trimble's position within UUP, and Mr Blair will also be concerned to defuse the increasingly personal chasm opening between senior unionist MPs and Dr Mowlam.
However, it is understood that Mr Trimble, in conversation with Dr Mowlam yesterday, echoed Mr Ken Maginnis's public position, telling the Secretary of State that "she ought to consider her position" following Saturday's murder of Billy Wright inside the Maze prison.
Mr Trimble also expressed the view that "if there is going to be a thorough and honest inquiry into events in the Maze her position will become untenable".