The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has been accused of showing contempt and disrespect after they boycotted the opening of new talks aimed at ending the political deadlock in Northern Ireland.

As well as long-unresolved peace process disputes on flags, parades and the legacy of the past, the fresh round of negotiations also seeks to reach a consensus over the implementation of welfare reforms in the region and other budgetary problems, and on the structures of the devolved Assembly.

But the hard-line unionist DUP boycotted the opening session at Stormont House yesterday branding it a “circus” put on for the cameras and has objected to the presence of the Irish government at the talks.

Dublin’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan attended the discussions, which were focused on drawing up a work programme for the coming weeks.

The DUP said it would meet Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers for a bilateral meeting instead.

The refusal to attend the talks is something of a volte-face for the DUP whose leader Peter Robinson said last month it would participate.

“It would be very silly if we weren’t there, because I was the one who encouraged her (Ms Villier)] and indeed encouraged the other parties to join in those talks,” he said at the time.

Sinn Fein MP and NI Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness launched a scathing attack on the DUP as he arrived at the venue yesterday morning.

“I think the refusal of the DUP to attend here this morning shows their utter contempt for this process, their contempt for the two governments and their contempt and lack of respect for all of the other parties in this process,” he said.

Mr McGuinness said that while progress had been achieved in Sinn Fein’s first five years of power-sharing with the DUP, the last two years had been “absolutely appalling,” blaming unionist intransigence and unwillingness to honour deals.

SDLP leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell was also critical of the DUP’s stance.

“The DUP have got make up their minds what they are at here,” he said.

“Whether they are going to honour the responsibilities they sought when they sought election or whether they are going to play games.

“Gimmicks and stunts and staying away and abstentionism doesn’t work and isn’t going to work.”