Alliance leader Naomi Long has accused the DUP and Ulster Unionist leaders of desperation in holding secret talks to consider joining forces.
She said UUP leader Doug Beattie attempting to recruit the DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson last year shows there is "not that much difference" between the two unionist parties.
And for Sir Jeffrey she claimed the discussions during leadership turmoil within his party further demonstrated that "self-preservation is his main concern".
