'Persuasion best strategy with paramilitaries': Empey

Ulster Unionist leader Reg Empey today vowed to stick with his strategy of persuading loyalist paramilitaries to abandon violence, despite criticism from a senior colleague.

The East Belfast Assembly member acknowledged the concerns of the Ulster Unionists' sole MP Lady Sylvia Hermon about his decision to link up with Progressive Unionist leader David Ervine in the Assembly in the wake of allegations that the Ulster Volunteer Force shot loyalist Mark Haddock last week.

Lady Sylvia said in a newspaper interview today that the shooting of Mr Haddock and the refusal of the UVF, which is linked to the Progressive Unionists, to begin disarmament meant the link was unsustainable.

Reg Empey, however, said the decision that he had taken was not taken lightly and was fundamentally the right course of action to take.

"The problem of loyalist paramilitaries has evolved over 35 years and this exercise cannot be completed in the space of three weeks," he said.

"There is progress to be made. Having said that, we will know relatively quickly whether those with whom we are engaged with are being disingenuous.

"If they are, then naturally the position will have to be reassessed and I will not hesitate to do so."

Last month, the Ulster Unionists announced Mr Ervine would join their Assembly Group in a bid to ensure there would be a majority of unionist ministers in a future Stormont executive.