Another rift opened in the Executive today after Arlene Foster launched a scathing attack on ministerial colleague Sir Reg Empey. She branded Sir Reg's UUP "clueless" and said the leader was "guilty of inconsistency".
The Environment Minister hit back after Sir Reg accused the DUP of hiding behind the ministerial code in Executive affairs.
"Once again the clueless nature of the Ulster Unionist Party is exposed for all to see," she said.
"By accusing the DUP of hiding behind the ministerial code (including collective responsibility), a document which is designed to ensure ministers of the Executive operate within the law, Reg Empey demonstrates perfectly the achievements made by the DUP.
"We have succeeded in reigning in ministerial power and ensuring the members of the Executive are accountable for their actions."
Yesterday Sir Reg said the DUP/Sinn Fein government axis was attempting to stymie debate and smother considered and well-intended objections.
"At its root this is profoundly undemocratic and offers not a working coalition that delivers for all in Northern Ireland but a carve-up based on an incompatible Ulster nationalist agenda as put forward by the DUP and an Irish republican agenda being pursued by Sinn Fein," the Employment and Learning Minister said.