THE DUP was last night insisting that their opposition to Theresa May's withdrawal treaty has been vindicated - despite business leaders delivering an unparalleled attack over their stance.
The prime minister has faced significant political turbulence and widespread criticism since unveiling her draft withdrawal deal for the UK to leave the EU last week.
A number of Cabinet ministers resigned in protest, including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab who said yesterday and there has been talk of a no confidence vote in Mrs May.
However on Thursday business leaders across Northern Ireland appeared at odds with the DUP, who style themselves as a pro-business party - after voicing support for the deal describing it as a "welcome step forward"
In Belfast a further statement in expected from leaders of business and industry - as well as unions - today voicing opposition to the DUP following a meeting addressed by the secretary of state Karen Bradley who will deliver a robust defence of the draft deal.
However last night the DUP were standing firm insisting their stance was correct.
Deputy leader Nigel Dodds described the "damning criticism" of the deal spelt last week showed 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.
"This deal would place a trade border in the Irish Sea, subject us to EU rules without any power to influence or change them and binds us to the EU with no unilateral ability to leave. Indeed, Northern Ireland is part of the EU customs union not the UK's.
"Even Jeremy Corbyn gets it, although nationalists and republicans here are desperate for him to stop saying it."
Mr Dodds added: "I understand why some people fear a 'no deal' scenario. But the choice is between this very bad deal and the right deal."
His comments came as Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson also insisted the DUP was representing the interests of both business and farmers.
Despite the unparalleled criticism from business and the farming sector he insisted the party "does not stand alone" in opposing Ms May's draft agreement.
"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.
"It will cut us off from our main market in Great Britain and permit a regulatory sea border in the Irish Sea, therefore our stance remains what is was," he said.
Referring to today's meeting Sir Jeffrey said: "We will listen to views and of course give them consideration, but we need to consider to the variety of views in the wider business community."
And he also insisted that farmers were supporting the DUP - despite a clash between himself and the UFU during a televised debate last Thursday, in which he accused the union of failing to understand the agreement.
"I have been contacted by farmers who don't support the UFU and who have told me no-one from the union has contacted them. The majority of farmers voted to leave the EU.
"I have to say I reject the notion being put forward by the Irish News that the DUP is alone. Far from it."
