Ulster Unionists and the SDLP recognised the risks involved for the DUP leader, whose party executive in the past has rejected direct talks with loyalist paramilitaries.

According to both paramilitary and political sources, an intermediary has already approached the UVF and senior loyalists accept that the likely discussions would include decommissioning.

Ulster Unionist Assembly deputy leader Danny Kennedy said the move may well be a calculated risk for Mr Robinson which could cause problems in the DUP grassroots.

"I think most people will recognise that it is important that loyalist paramilitary groups are brought into the political scene again because, while we attempted in the past to make progress in this area, they have been left behind in the peace process.

"That is not good," the Newry and Armagh MLA said.

"There are inherent difficulties, in terms of decommissioning and other issues, and of course elements in the DUP heavily criticised us in the past when we attempted to plough this particular furrow. But I have always believed it is the right thing to do."

SDLP policing spokesman Alex Attwood said Mr Robinson was showing leadership and it was hoped the UVF would not disappoint people in their response as they have in the past.

"Peter Robinson is showing some leadership here. John Hume demonstrated that you have to take risks for peace and the standards he set others now have to follow," the West Belfast Assembly member added.