The Belfast Agreement has slammed the door to Dublin in the faces of republicans, and Ulster Unionists hold the key, Mr David Trimble said yesterday at a press conference calling for a Yes vote in the referendum.
The UUP leader said the agreement had resulted in "a stronger veto to the pro-Union people" despite 30 years of IRA violence. It had strengthened the Union, and Northern Ireland's legitimacy was recognised by the Republic.
Mr Trimble was accompanied by senior party colleagues, including MPs Mr John Taylor, Mr Ken Maginnis and Mr Cecil Walker. The party's other six MPs have rejected the agreement, and three have called for a No vote on a joint platform with the DUP.
Mr Trimble indicated that no immediate action would be taken against dissident MPs. "I am aware that there are some prominent members of the party who are deeply uncomfortable with this policy, and they have expressed that. I think in this situation we have to allow a little bit of time and space for people to think things through."
He said there was an obligation on UUP members to support party policy. Both the executive and council of the party had voted by very substantial majorities to support the agreement and they decided policy.
Councillors in Lisburn, Co Antrim, last night voted 1 4/3 to support the UUP's stance in favour of the agreement. The motion was an amended version of an anti-agreement proposal from the DUP.
A motion against the agreement from the DUP at Larne Borough Council on Monday night was defeated by eight votes to three. All councillors from the UUP opposed the motion, although their local MP Mr Roy Beggs is campaigning for a No vote in the referendum.