Trimble and Paisley in shouting match

UUP leader David Trimble and DUP leader Ian Paisley engaged in a five-minute shouting match today after their paths cross on the Assembly election trail.

The incident began when the DUP positioned an election poster outside UUP headquarters in east Belfast.

Mr Paisley was subsequently giving a press conference when Mr Trimble emerged from his office and confronted him.

Fingers were pointed and insults traded, but the melee stopped short of physical confrontation.

Mr Trimble accused Mr Paisley of running away from a televised debate, while Mr Paisley, who had to be held back by his minders, accused Mr Trimble of being a madman.