Sinn Féin and the DUP are behind a cynical carve-up of power, the first nationalist politician to address the UUP's annual conference said today.
The SDLP's Margaret Ritchie said the majority parties were trying to create a stranglehold on government.
The Social Development Minister was speaking during a meeting in Belfast attended by hundreds of grassroots UUP members. She has been criticised by both the DUP and republicans over her handling of the £1.2m Stg Conflict Transformation Initiative (CTI) for loyalist areas.
"People can see the difference between those who want to work in partnership for a better, shared future and those who want a cynical carve-up so that they can dominate everyone else," she said.
"Attempts by anyone to establish a stranglehold in government must be resisted by all of us here." The minister reiterated her desire to build thousands of social houses for the less well off and highlighted regeneration projects like the Victoria Square housing and shopping development in the centre of Belfast.
Loud rounds of applause greeted the minister's defence of her funding decision. But the loudest cheer of the night came at the finale of her speech.
"And the message to those who might seek to dominate us is simple.
"No Surrender." She called for the two parties to explore areas of practical co-operation.
"Most political compacts do not last forever. Especially where they have little underpinning, other than cynicism and a desire to dominate. I believe my party and your party, in our different ways, can fight back and must do so with vigour," she added.
PA