DUP anti-power-sharing councillor resigns

Another DUP local councillor has resigned from the party to join the anti-power-sharing "Traditional Unionist Voice" party.

The leader of the party, Jim Allister, has welcomed the move saying it is further evidence that grass-roots DUP supporters are disillusioned.

The defection by Lyle Rea, formerly vice chairman of the DUP in the Co Down town of Dromore will be of concern to his former party.

Originally a member of the Ulster Unionists, he left them to join the DUP and has now moved again to join Traditional Unionist Voice.

He said he had believed the DUP would continue to reject the Good Friday Agreement - but had, like many others, been disappointed and "could not continue supporting Sinn Féin at the heart of government".

The DUP continues to say that power-sharing, while not ideal, is better than the only apparent alternative - direct rule from London and Dublin.