Dissident Ulster Unionist MP Jeffrey Donaldson has presented his alternative proposals to David Trimble's plan to re-enter Northern Ireland's power-sharing executive to the party.

Hardline MP Jeffrey Donaldson, an outspoken critic of the Good Friday Agreement peace accord, has challenged his party leader's recommendation to the party that they should go back into government with Sinn Fein.

The Ulster Unionist ruling council is due to meet on Saturday to consider whether to accept Mr Trimble's recommendation that the party should test the IRA's offer to put its weapons beyond use by accepting a full return to devolution.

But in a letter to the delegates of the UUC, Mr Donaldson said the party should instead endorse his plan to demand actual decommissioning of the IRA's weapons before returning to government.

'Guns before government'

The Lagan Valley MP proposed that the party should "reaffirm its commitment to re-enter the executive upon receiving a report from the International Disarmament Commission that the Provisional IRA have commenced credible and verifiable decommissioning of their illegal weapons and explosives, leading to complete disarmament within an agreed timetable".

He said that until this happens a measure of devolution should take place, with members of the currently suspended assembly taking a role in developing departmental policy, so as to increase the "accountability of the administration in Northern Ireland".

The assembly would, in Mr Donaldson's scenario, work in a committee-like structure to advise the ministers of the Northern Ireland Office, but would not have administrative powers or make executive decisions.

Mr Donaldson also proposed that the party should agree a mechanism under which they could exclude any party from government, which did not decommission under the agreed timetable.

He proposed that the party should "re-affirm its commitment to defend the proud name and insignia of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in accordance with the unanimous support given to the motion on 26 March".

'Attempt to reunite party'

In the letter to delegates, Mr Donaldson said that his proposals were aimed at reuniting the party and "a sincere attempt to build a consensus that would avoid a divisive vote and a damaging party split on Saturday".

Mr Donaldson said that he believed his proposals would "command the widespread support of the party and further afield".

He has focused the proposals to address Ulster Unionist concerns about the IRA offer and the government's plans to change at least the working title of Northern Ireland's reformed police force.

However, Mr Trimble, having indicated that he had anticipated what Mr Donaldson would propose, has already said that he believes the current plan on implementing the Good Friday Agreement, is the only one which can command cross-party support.

IRA offer conditional

Republicans and nationalists have been warning that they will not accept any further plans to "dilute" reform of the RUC.

And Sinn Fein have warned that the IRA offer to put its weapons beyond use and open its arms dumps to inspection, will only remain on the table if there is immediate movement towards implementing the agreement in full.

Over the last week, Mr Trimble is believed to have been narrowly winning back enough support to pass his proposals because many Ulster Unionists would be loath to see the party further divided, with David Trimble's leadership irreparably damaged.

But many members may be interested in Mr Donaldon's proposals as a kind of escape hatch, delaying making a conclusive decision on returning to government with republicans.