DUP had its own links with paramilitaries

THE DUP have been highly critical of the possible Assembly link between the UUP and David Irvine of the PUP because of his association with loyalist paramilitaries.

In 1981, Dr Ian Paisley was responsible for assembling 500 men in military formation and paramilitary dress, each holding aloft what was claimed to be a valid gun licence.

This was clearly aimed at showing that he had at his command an organised group of armed men should the need for military action arise.