Former Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble has said he doubts whether the "fundamentalist bedrock" of the DUP would move towards doing a pragmatic deal by November 24.
At a Conservative Party conference fringe meeting in Bournemouth last night (Monday) Lord Trimble outlined his views on the devolution deadline.
"It may be that there is a shift in the popular mood in that direction and that the pragmatic wing of the DUP is inclined to move," he said.
"But will the fundamentalist bedrock of the DUP move? I doubt it. For them this is a matter of good versus evil. Do not expect a debate within that party."
Lord Trimble said failure to do a deal would lead to a refocused nationalism and represent a major strategic reversal for unionism and a grave risk to stability.
