Relations between John Major and David Trimble strained

Relations between John Major and David Trimble were strained last night after the Ulster Unionist leader emerged without concessions from a meeting with the Prime Minister at his private room at the House of Commons, writes Colin Brown.

With the Ulster Unionists threatening to vote against the Government in a Commons vote last night, Mr Trimble's party appeared to ready to assert its authority, holding the balance at Westminster.

Mr Trimble privately criticised the Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, of inaction in the face of the collapsing ceasefire and the worsening security situation. He served notice that the places occupied by the Loyalists at the cross-party talks would be challenged on Monday.