THE DUP is set to come under intense pressure today over its opposition to Theresa May's Brexit deal with business and trade bodies expected to deliver a unprecedented statement castigating its position over the draft accord.
Business and trade bodies from a wide range of sectors - and even unions - are expected to unite to issue a strongly worded rebuttal of the DUP's stance.
Secretary of State Karen Bradley will also fly into Belfast where she will pitch the deal as a "decisive step forward" during an address to business leaders insisting it can deliver for everyone in Northern Ireland.
The event is being organised by industry big-hitters including the CBI, FSB, IoD and NI Chamber of Commerce who have already delivered an unparalleled attack on the DUP which styles itself as the pro-business party.
Mrs Bradley is expected to say the country now faces a choice between what she terms "the only workable deal that fulfils the will of the referendum", or "back to square one on Brexit".
The development came as the DUP yesterday continued to insist that their party's opposition to Theresa May's withdrawal treaty has been vindicated despite the unrivalled criticism.
DUP deputy Nigel Dodds said the turbulent week faced by the prime minister showed the "damning criticism spelt out how dangerous this withdrawal agreement is".
"These are exactly the reasons why Northern Ireland unionism stands united in opposition to this draft Withdrawal Agreement," he said.
Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson also insisted the DUP "does not stand alone" and is representing the interests of both business and farmers - despite facing criticism from both.
"Already we are being contacted by many business people who share our view that in the long-term this deal is not good for the economy of Northern Ireland," he said.
He also said he was contacted by farmers "who don't support the UFU and who have told me no-one from the union has contacted them."
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar meanwhile has said the Irish government would not consider a hard border regardless of whether the House of Commons votes down the British government's draft Brexit deal.
Mr Varadkar said that some difficult conversations would have to take place with EU leaders but that every effort would be made to find alternatives to avoid a hard border.
