In a speech to his party supporters in North Antrim, the Democratic Unionist Party leader said Ulster Unionists were running scared of elections.

He said the assembly election would provide an opportunity to force new negotiations leading to a democratic deal that unionists could support.

Responsibility lies with the IRA to take the lead on disarming and disbanding, setting an example which should be followed by other paramilitary groups Jeffrey Donaldson UUP

Northern Ireland's devolved institutions were suspended on 14 October 2002 following a row over allegations of IRA activity, including alleged spying within the Northern Ireland Office.

In a separate speech to the Young Ulster Unionists on Tuesday night, Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said a decommissioning gesture from the IRA carried out on camera would not provide evidence the organisation has ceased to engage in terror.

He said the responsibility lay with the IRA to take the lead on disarming and disbanding, setting an example which should be followed by other paramilitary groups.

'Chance to negotiate'

Last week, Ulster Unionist David Trimble said Sinn Fein had not been smashed but had been hollowed out.

He said the "IRA juggernaut" had now been halted.

In a keynote address on Friday, he also challenged the DUP over its claims of renegotiation of the Agreement.

He said the party was incapable of working constructively and "fluffed it" when it had its chance to negotiate.

He said he believed the UUP would have a successful assembly election and would be vindicated.

Attempts continue

Earlier on Friday, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said the government was not moving quickly enough on the outstanding issues in the peace process.

If the process is to work in this next short period then the people in Downing Street need to pull their socks up Gerry Adams Sinn Fein President

Mr Adams said he was impatient with the pace of politics in terms of changes to policing and demilitarisation.

The West Belfast MP was speaking after a meeting between the British and Irish prime ministers in London on Thursday.

Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern met at Downing Street for talks as attempts continue to find a breakthrough in the deadlocked political process.

Speaking after the talks, Mr Ahern said there were still difficulties ahead in the peace process.

Further round-table talks are to be held in Belfast on Thursday although there is a questionmark over whether the Ulster Unionists will attend.