The Ulster Unionist leader 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.

'Confidence'

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.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the East Antrim Ulster Unionist Association in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Mr Trimble said unionists had every reason to feel they were "on the front foot" and could look to the future with confidence.

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

"Look at the DUP, they are increasingly coming over to our way of seeing things, much to their supporters' distress," he said.

"We know, though, that they are incapable of working the institutions or of making improvements: they had their chance and they fluffed it.

"The republican juggernaut has been halted - unionists are not going to be rolled into a united Ireland.

"After their so-called 'long war', Irish republicans face a very long wait indeed for an end to British rule."

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.

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.

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

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.

But he said both governments were "full of determination to complete the outstanding issues".

However, Mr Adams said he was disappointed at the outcome of the meeting.

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