The British government was tonight urged to send a clear and urgent signal that the Royal Irish Regiment will not be disbanded.
Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble insisted that the Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair must act immediately to quash rumours that the future of the regiment was in doubt.
Mr Trimble said he had written to Mr Blair so that rumours which had been "steadily gathering steam over recent days" could be quashed.
"There seems to be no substance to this speculation with security and government sources repeatedly stressing that there are no such plans," he said.
"Nevertheless, due to the uncertainty that has been created by some senior army officers, I feel that this matter needs to be cleared up quickly at the highest possible level."
In an address to the Banbridge Branch of the UUP tonight, Mr Trimble read out some sections of the letter he has sent to Mr Blair.
"You may be aware that there has been considerable press speculation here over reports that the Royal Irish Regiment home service battalions are to be severely cut back," he said.
"I am sure that you will appreciate this has the potential of demoralising the Unionist community. I understand that these rumours were fuelled, following some remarks made by senior army officers."
Mr Trimble told the Prime Minister it was vital the government sends an urgent and clear signal that the Royal Irish Regiment is a much valued part of the British Army and that it will not be disbanded.
Mr Trimble wrote his letter after an initial meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Paul Murphy to discuss the issue last week.