Paisley: 'Political compromise in North a road to disaster'

The DUP leader Ian Paisley told an Orange parade this afternoon that political compromise in the North would be the road to disaster.

Sinn Féin have said the speech shows it is clear Mr Paisely intends continuing to block progress.

Speaking to a rally of the Independent Orange Order in Portrush, Co Antrim, Ian Paisley said "push-over" unionism was a "half-way house to republicanism".

Nigel Dodds - the DUP MP for North Belfast - delivered a similar message at Broughshane, Co. Antrim saying unionism wouldn't be beaten, browbeaten or bullied.

Jeffrey Donaldson, the DUP MP for Lagan Valley, said the IRA had played all its cards, the threat of a united Ireland was off the agenda, and unionism's demands must now be met.

Sinn Féin's Conor Murphy said the DUP speeches showed it appealing to the lowest common denominator and failing to show political leadership.