Hutchinson angry at invitation withdrawal

Billy Hutchinson of the PUP in the North says he's angry and disappointed that an invitation to speak at an ex-prisoners meeting tomorrow night in Co Tyrone has been withdrawn.

Mr Hutchinson said the pressure was put on the meeting organisers from republicans in the area to prevent him speaking.

One of the PUP's two assemblymen, Billy Hutchinson, a former UVF prisoner, said he was invited to speak in Coalisland tomorrow night about the role that prisoners have played in the peace process.

He was glad to accept, only asking for no pre-publicity for security reasons.

He said it was commendable that a largely republican forum wanted to get the loyalist view.

Mr Hutchinson subsequently, however, was telephoned again and the invitation withdrawn.

He said he was told that republicans in the area had made it known he would not be welcome and the meeting would be picketed if he turned up.

He has accused local republicans of trying to scupper free debate.