The DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, told his party conference that a revolution within unionism meant the DUP had taken the "mantle of leadership" from the Ulster Unionist Party.
Mr David Trimble and his fellow UUP members, in calling for a review of the Belfast Agreement, were reduced to "rearranging the Titanic's furniture", he said. "They are yesterday's men, their day is over. Their unionism has lost its vitality."
Mr Robinson outlined his party's targets for the next election. He said the DUP would extend its support in North Antrim and East Belfast and consolidate in South Antrim, as well as targeting North Belfast, East Derry, Strangford, Upper Bann and East Antrim. There were no longer any "no-go areas" for the DUP, he said.
Mr Nigel Dodds, party secretary and North Belfast MLA, condemned the "capitulation" of the UUP and said the DUP was more confident than ever of the support of "rank and file" unionists across Northern Ireland.
Mr Sammy Wilson, Assembly member for East Belfast, responded to press accusations that the DUP was a negative force in Northern Ireland politics. "I'd rather be a `No' man than a nomad. I'd rather make a stand than wander from one policy to another, one false promise to another," he said.
The Rev William McCrea's victory in the South Antrim by-election, giving the DUP a third seat at Westminster, was referred to as evidence of a change in the party's fortunes. Mr McCrea said "true unionism is not on the wane but in the ascendancy".
Mr Mervyn Storey from Ballymoney said Mr Trimble would have to "face the consequences of his actions" next year.
Mr Andrew McIntyre, of Strabane Young Democrats, said the "writing is on the wall" for Mr Trimble. "His Waterloo is coming. David Trimble, our day is coming and it's coming very soon."
During the debate on parades, Mr Christopher Stalford, speaking on behalf of the South Belfast Westminster Constituency Association, accused the UUP of "stabbing the Orange Order in the back".
During the debate on enterprise, trade and investment, Mr John Finlay from Ballymoney called on delegates to ensure traditional unionist areas got a better deal in employment terms. Mr Jim Wells, South Down MLA, noted the self-congratulatory tone throughout the conference, adding "And why not?"
There was a slight hint of disagreement during the final debate on sport, when two delegates clashed over the respective merits of road racing and circuit racing, but all motions were passed unanimously.
