The DUP's proposals for restoring devolution in Northern Ireland provide a "safety net" for republicans, the Ulster Unionists claimed tonight.
In a hard-hitting attack on the DUP's "Devolution Now" document, Sir Reg Empey branded the plans as "unrealistic" and a climbdown from the party's previous insistence that republicans be excluded from positions of power.
The former Stormont Economy Minister claimed Rev Ian Paisley's party was now holding out the prospect of Sinn Fein wielding power while the IRA remained active.
He said: "No longer is there hectoring talk of standing down [the IRA] or disbandment, no mention of sanctions or exclusion.
"Decommissioning is on the back burner and Sinn Féin is fireproofed from the consequences of any ongoing activity from the IRA - however vile that may be.
He said Sinn Féin president, Mr Gerry Adams would be "foolish" to reject the proposals.
Earlier senior Democratic Unionist MP Mr Nigel Dodds defended the document: "Nowhere in the DUP's Devolution Now documents does our party propose that executive power be placed in the hands of Sinn Féin/IRA."
The UUP had allowed terrorist representatives control over half of the budget on three separate occasions, Mr Dodds said.
The DUP's proposals showed his party's desire to restore stable, accountable, effective and efficient devolution, he said.
But Sinn Féin chief negotiator Mr Martin McGuinness said the DUP were effectively proposing a return to majority rule.
"This is not acceptable. Sinn Féin will not allow a return to the mis-rule and abusive power that was the hallmark of unionist rule in the past."
He was speaking after separate meetings with the Northern Secretary Mr Paul Murphy and Irish Government officials.
SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan was also at the meetings and said the DUP's documents only dealt with one aspect of the Agreement - those issues affecting Northern Ireland.
"In particular, we are determined to ensure that the North-South agenda is protected and fully developed," Mr Durkan said.
PA