The Northern Ireland business community remain firmly behind the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, and the creation of a local administration, the president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Owen Lamont, said yesterday.

Mr Lamont, who made a personal plea last week for the business community to stand behind Mr Trimble, said yesterday local reaction to his public stance had been overwhelmingly supportive.

"Traditionally it has been dangerous for the business community to speak out on politics," he said, "but we hope we can carry the vote this week."

"If we can't get the momentum in the next week or two, I think the alternatives are pretty dire. Everyone needs hope and without it we'll lose inward investment and discourage entrepreneurs from setting up in Northern Ireland."

Mr Lamont pointed to the affect of the Internet on people's lives, a medium which had no borders. He said the focus on e-commerce in the Republic had been very strong whereas Northern Ireland was lacking a plan of action or strategy.