Feared loyalist paramilitary boss Johnny Adair today showed his support for a close associate who appeared in court on gun charges.

Northern Ireland Education Minister Martin McGuinness was today under fire for failing to provide clear advice to schools on whether they should close for union protests over loyalist threats against workers.

Jailed loyalist paramilitary leader Johnny Adair was today granted to leave to challenge the Northern Ireland Secretary’s decision to refuse him Christmas parole.

A High Court judge will today rule on a freedom bid mounted by jailed loyalist Johnny Adair.