The organisation handling a controversial fund for regenerating loyalist neighbourhoods in the North has been told it will be terminated, it emerged today.

The Social Development minister tonight said she would not be bullied by Northern Executive colleagues over funding for loyalists in the North.

Stormont Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie was today warned that her credibility would be damaged if she lets a deadline slip for loyalist paramilitaries to disarm.

The Ulster Defence Association was today given 60 days to disarm and protect £1.2m (€1.77m) earmarked for the redevelopment of their neighbourhoods.

All remnants of paramilitarism must disappear from the North's society, First Minister Ian Paisley insisted today.