Ulster Unionist opponents of the deal on devolution and decommissioning have intensified their campaign, with one Assembly member saying he will consider resigning if it is approved. The Unionist Graduates' Association has also supported the No camp.
North Down Assembly member, Mr Peter Weir, said he would consider resigning from the party if the deal was accepted. "If the issue is rejected then I think we can hold together around the `no guns, no government policy'. But if the party does not accept this, I think a split is inevitable."
Another Assembly member, Mr Roy Beggs jnr, also voiced his opposition. "I am unable to recommend what is currently on offer," he said. Sinn Fein and the Provisional IRA had to prove they had reformed. Mr Beggs jnr said the republican movement had to demonstrate it had left its paramilitary past behind. He said comments attributed to Sinn Fein representatives, Mr Pat Doherty and Mr Martin Ferris, showed republicans had not changed.
In a statement yesterday, the Unionist Graduates' Association said it was deeply disappointed the paramilitaries had not committed themselves to disarming and there was no reason for the UUP to change its "no guns, no government" policy.
"We call on the UUC to reject the proposals currently on the table. The process of easing armed terrorists into government would be stalled and the SDLP would for the first time have to face a choice between securing a devolved administration in a partnership with the UUP or allowing its attachment with Sinn Fein to wreck the hopes of society here."
In a break with tradition, the UUC meeting will take place in Belfast's Waterfront Hall and not the Ulster Hall as was expected.
The UUP leader, Mr David Trimble, yesterday urged Mr Gerry Adams to make clear that he could deliver decommissioning. "It is important that over the next few days Mr Adams makes it clear that he is going to deliver Sinn Fein for this," Mr Trimble told Breakfast With Frost.
"We have heard some very disturbing reports over the last few days of prominent members of Sinn Fein in the US saying things that are clearly at variance with our expectations."
The anti-agreement UUP pressure group, Union First, said it would be mounting a vigorous campaign this week to oppose the deal. However, the Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames, said the UUP had a crucial decision to make.
"There is a growing feeling across the community that they want to see a way forward," he added.