UDP splits over support for Agreement

The loyalist Ulster Democratic Party has reportedly split today, with up to 14 of its 50 branches opting to go it alone because of their opposition to the Good Friday Agreement.

The UDP is the political wing of the Ulster Defence Association, the largest loyalist paramilitary group.

The disaffected branches are in south east Antrim and north Antrim.

Security sources believe five of the six UDA battalions no longer back the peace process.