Comments by Derry DUP assembly member Willie Hay that his party could talk to Sinn Féin if certain conditions were met have endorsed the Ulster Unionist Party's contacts with republicans, according to former minister Michael McGimpsey.
The senior UUP negotiator claimed that Mr Hay's comments exposed a split within DUP ranks despite party leader Ian Paisley later saying the Derry politician's views were made in a personal capacity.
Last year Mr Paisley said anyone within the DUP who might try to enter into dialogue with Sinn Féin would be treated as a traitor.
During an RTE interview Mr Hay said, if clear evidence was provided that Sinn Féin became a constitutional party and a timetable for IRA disbandment became evident, he could foresee the two parties entering talks.
While Mr Hay said there was presently no evidence to suggest republicans were committed to completely democratic means, he would be prepared to talk to Sinn Féin if "clear guarantees" were given.
However, a DUP spokesman said the party would not negotiate with Sinn Féin before, during or after proposed assembly elections in the spring.
But former UUP culture, arts and leisure minister Michael McGimpsey said Mr Hay's comments reflected the "political reality" that unionists had to talk to Sinn Féin.
Mr McGimpsey said the Ulster Unionist party had recognised this political reality several years ago.
"However, Mr Hay earned a quick put down for his remarks by his party leader, Dr Paisley, who said they did not represent official party policy," he said.
"What clearer evidence do we need that the DUP is in disarray with some prominent figures now moving closer to our position while others remain determined to treat as traitors those who, in their eyes, would contemplate such political heresy."
Mr McGimpsey said he knew of others within the DUP who shared Mr Hay's views, but who would not speak out for fear of "incurring the wrath" of Mr Paisley and his supporters.
And he claimed the public split reflected internal DUP debate to prepare the ground for face-to-face talks with Sinn Féin.
"We all know they have been doing this in private for some time but now, for the first time, they will be able to state publicly that this is what they are about," Mr McGimpsey added.
