It emerged today that fresh talks have been begun to avoid a bitter split in the Ulster Unionist Party.
Former Stormont Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey and UUP honorary secretary Mr Jim Rodgers have begun attempts to heal divisions between Mr David Trimble's supporters and a faction led by rebel MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson.
With Mr Donaldson facing an ultimatum from the party's 108-member executive to resume the whip at Westminster, Mr Rodgers admitted today there were "very real fears among the rank and file that the party could disintegrate".
He said: "I know my colleague Sir Reg shares those concerns and we have set up a series of meetings involving up to 50 key people in the party to see how we are going to resolve this matter. We accept that no one member is bigger than the party but we have seen other parties disintegrate over the wrong decision.
"There is also the possibility this could end up in the courts and that is something we want to avoid, given the legal costs the party incurred the last time."
In June, Mr Donaldson and two other colleagues - party president the Rev Martin Smyth and Mr David Burnside - resigned the whip at Westminster in a row over policy.
The three MPs had wanted the party to reject two governments' peace process proposals for the implementation of the Belfast Agreement. Last Friday the Ulster Unionist Executive decided Mr Donaldson's conduct during and after the Assembly Election had been detrimental to the party.
The rebel MP was told he must unconditionally apply in writing to take the whip at Westminster, must abide by rules and policies, and must immediately desist from further detrimental activity.
Mr Donaldson is believed to be considering his future and has a long-standing invitation from Democratic Unionists in Lagan Valley for them to join his ranks.
It is believed if he leaves the party, he could bring at least two other Assembly members with him - fellow Lagan Valley MLA Norah Beare and Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster.
It is understood Sir Reg and Mr Rodgers will meet Mr Donaldson later this week.