Blair slams Tory MP's decision to join DUP

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has criticised the decision of a right-wing Conservative Party MP to leave Westminster and stand as a DUP candidate in next year’s Northern Assembly elections.

Andrew Hunter, who opposes the Good Friday Agreement and has attended anti-Agreement rallies in the North, has announced plans to seek election in the Lagan Valley constituency.

"What he does with his own political career is up to him, but I think his position in respect of Northern Ireland is absolutely wrong," Mr Blair said today.

He added: "If we go down the Ian Paisley path in Northern Ireland then the result would be we break up everything gained over the last few years."