The party's deputy leader, Peter Robinson, said what was needed in the political negotiations in Northern Ireland was a settlement, not a process.

Mr Robinson described the next few months as ''crucial'' to the future of Northern Ireland and said a new deal which had the support of both unionists and nationalists was possible.

Speaking to the right wing Monday Club in London on Wednesday night, the East Belfast MP said his party would not accept those who are linked to active terrorism ruling over those they continue to terrorise. ...