MR David Trimble last night told Mr John Major that the political talks process in the North should go ahead without Sinn Fein.
And the Ulster Unionist leader pressed the British Prime Minister for "a security response to give confidence to the people of Northern Ireland" following Monday's IRA bomb attack in Lisburn.
Mr Major met Mr Trimble for some 40 minutes on the margins of the Conservative party conference to review the worsening situation in the North. The UUP, leader said he did not wish to comment on the British government's position, although he described his meeting with Major as "friendly". Earlier yesterday, Mr Trimble had separate discussions with the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew.
Even before yesterday's meetings with Mr Trimble, British ministers were echoing Mr Major's determination that the talks process should carry on, and that the parties should not contemplate delay until after the British general election.
Sir Patrick yesterday said no party had put to him the suggestion that the talks should be adjourned.
Asked about the position on decommissioning now, Sir Patrick said: "Decommissioning is an issue because nobody will sit down around the table with people who have got friends outside the door with arms, who are perhaps themselves people with arms. They're not interested in it for very obvious reasons.
The Shadow Northern Secretary, Dr Marjorie Mowlam, has said the talks process should continue despite the IRA bombing in Lisburn, co Antrim, Suzanne Breen writes from Belfast.
Dr Mowlam said yesterday that the IRA must reinstate its ceasefire and prove its commitment to the democratic process and adherence to constitutional politics as outlined in the Mitchell Principles.