THE Ulster Unionist MP for North Belfast, Mr Cecil Walker has urged his political colleagues to "scatter the historical cobwebs" and open their minds to co-operation with Dublin.
In a surprise statement yesterday, Mr Walker, who has not been as frequent a contributor to the contemporary political debate as some of his UUP colleagues, made several comments which "will be regarded as controversial by his party colleagues.
He told them "Let us all stop shouting, not only hear, but listen to what is being said to us, and then think before we speak."
The statement said that the present political impasse had been causing him great concern.
"The naivety shown by a number of southern Irish politicians towards our problems makes it essential that lines of communication be reopened and kept" open.
"This is to encourage a structured educational flow of information (instead of verbal bullying) which can lead to a better political understanding. From this could come the co-operation economic strategies needed to "I would encourage Ulster unionists to be intrepid in promoting this approach, for they are secure in the knowledge that it will be the people of Ulster who will define their own future.
"We must co-operate in building cross Border and cross community relationships, for from these we will gain confidence and consequently stability. This is the way forward to a peaceful society to which everyone can subscribe.
"The relationship between Ulster, Dublin and London is like a three legged stool, each part is dependent on the others. No other relationship is viable and this interaction is essential for the future wellbeing of these two is lands.
"Ulster cannot stand alone. We don't want a province torn by conflict for the foreseeable future, a province from which potential investors are stepping back.
"It is universally recognised that we can offer better inducements to those considering setting up business than anyone in Europe and beyond. (This is particularly appreciated in the USA, from which I have recently returned.)
"Economic regeneration can lead to a better future for the citizens of Northern Ireland, but it can only take place in an atmosphere free from communal strife.
"Now is the moment of truth. We must stop the posturing, the mouthing of defiant cliches calculated to incite, and instead we must concentrate on exhibiting those qualities of intelligence, industry, honesty and humour for which Ulster people are renowned worldwide.
"Let us use that intelligence and honesty to examine what London and Dublin are offering to help us through the political impasse, to help the politicians to scatter the historical cobwebs which are preventing them from seeing the way to a better future for all the citizens of this province.
"Let us all stop shouting, not only hear, but listen to what is, being said to us and then think before we speak. At this time we don't need knee jerk reactions, but considered responses by all who would claim leadership roles."