The tensions in the Northern Ireland power-sharing Executive were highlighted yesterday when the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, effectively conceded that the Minister of Agriculture, Ms Brid Rodgers, was embarrassed by his party's approach to the crisis in the industry.
Mr Trimble acknowledged that Ms Rodgers was not consulted about a submission an Ulster Unionist Party delegation had put to the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, in London last week.
The delegation suggested a loans system for farmers in financial difficulties. The proposal was put by the UUP deputy chairman of the Assembly agriculture committee, Mr George Savage.
"The arrangements for consultation that I put in place did not work. It was unfortunate that that was the case," said Mr Trimble. "We want to ensure in future that these arrangements do work satisfactorily."
Mr Trimble said the issue was discussed at yesterday's weekly Executive meeting attended by 10 UUP, SDLP and Sinn Fein ministers.
The UUP proposal involved £100 million in British government low-interest loans. Ms Rodgers said she thought the scheme would breach EU rules on state aid.
This controversy follows recent tensions surrounding an alleged decision by the Minister of Health, Ms Bairbre de Brun, to ban the flying of the Union flag on some of her departmental buildings over Christmas.
In the Assembly on Monday Mr Sam Foster of the UUP said her action was "totally reprehensible".
Mr Trimble said the powersharing government was a "different animal" from a normal government and differences would arise. He thought "within the context" of this new arrangement "things are working well".
The Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, said the cabinet would try to "show the sensitivity that is required, not just with those with whom we might agree but with whom we might differ as well".
Mr Trimble said comments by the UUP MLA, Mr Duncan Shipley-Dalton, in the Assembly on Monday about IRA decommissioning were fully in line with the UUP's position. Mr Shipley-Dalton warned that in the absence of a move on IRA disarmament by the end of the month he could not support the continuation of the devolved administration.
Mr Trimble "confidently" looked forward to the implementation of the understandings on decommissioning arrived at during the Mitchell review. He described as "a ritualistic exercise" a DUP proposal on decommissioning, supported by the UUP, that was passed in the Assembly on Monday.
