UUP conference:Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey told his party's centenary conference that loyalist paramilitaries had no reason to remain in existence and must "call it a day".
Sir Reg in his first party conference as leader said on Saturday the IRA had "suffered a military defeat" and that the UUP had played a pivotal role "in devising and accelerating their end". The IRA's "futile war is at an end".
He said the pain the loyalist paramilitaries were causing must now end. "I make this direct appeal to these groups: call it a day.
"Begin the job of decommissioning the firepower that has brought so much misery. The republican edifice you swore to tear down is severely weakened. Northern Ireland is moving on apace and loyalist paramilitaries need to recognise that they no longer have any reason to maintain their structures," he added.
Sir Reg appealed, "Listen one last time to me: political unionism cannot wash its hands of what happened 20 or 30 years ago, but if you agree that this chapter can now be closed, you will find in me a politician who will assist in that transition to a better future. My door is open to you. But you must realise that you cannot continue as you are."
He told conference that the UUP still had a crucial political role and responsibility. "In the slightly amended words of the current governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger: we'll be back," he said.
The conference unanimously endorsed a motion proposed by the party's Assembly members committing the party to devolution. Deputy leader Danny Kennedy asked conference to support "the restoration of a fully devolved administration at Stormont built on solid foundations and containing only those parties committed to exclusively peaceful and democratic means".
The motion continued: "We therefore call on her majesty's government and all local political parties to maximise their efforts to create the conditions to make this possible, thereby creating a more stable Northern Ireland."
Fermanagh-South Tyrone Assembly member Tom Elliot seconded the motion, claiming that direct rule was not a long-term viable alternative that would safeguard the union.
He was vigorously supported by Mark Cosgrove who denounced "unaccountable ministers" at the Northern Ireland Office who he said had "an increasingly green tint".
East Belfast Assembly member Michael Copeland also complained of government by civil service and claimed that government officials were "pompous" and had "an inflated view of their own importance". Devolution was vital for Northern Ireland society. "Every single ill that pertains to this society has its answer in one place, and it is Stormont."
In common with other speakers he made a clear distinction between his party and the DUP. Ulster Unionists see it as the "discharge of responsibility", whereas the DUP saw power as an end in itself, he said.
Lord Maginnis "supported whole-heartedly" the push for devolution. To fail to do so would lead to further domination by what he termed the "iniquitous administration" which operated without "proper accountability. We are coming down with quangos and commissioners," he said.
Summing up, Alan McFarland, who came second in the leadership election last June, said control of local affairs helped to "safeguard" the union.
Looking to the next push for devolution expected in the new year, he said: "Direct rule is not a friendly place for us and if January to May does not work out, we unionists face a greening, harmonising, unfriendly joint-authority world."
He warned: "There is no long-term future here without dealing with nationalists. Balkanisation is a disaster for the union."