Gary McMichael threatens to quit

The leader of the Ulster Democratic Party, Gary McMichael, has said he may be forced to quit if his party becomes anti-Agreement.

Mr McMichael was speaking amid speculation that a vast majority of UDP members are now against the Good Friday Agreement.

The party is linked to the Ulster Democratic Association, the largest paramilitary group.

However the UDP leader denied that he was told that he would be removed if he did not change his stance.

This latest development could set alarm bells ringing in the security forces, who are already fearing that a split in loyalism could spark a new feud.

It is thought that the anti-Agreement elements of the UDA are forging links with dissidents, especially the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

The LVF recently issued a statement saying it would hit back against any group that attacked its members.

This was in response to a gun attack on one of its members in Portadown last weekend.

Sources within the UDP have indicated in recent days that about three quarters of its membership is now against the Good Friday Agreement.