Jailed loyalist paramilitary leader Johnny Adair tonight pledged his support for the Northern Ireland peace process.
Hours after the bombing of the SDLP constituency offices in north Belfast, which has been blamed on the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), convicted UDA commander Adair denied any link with the attack.
Even though security chiefs believe five of the UDA's six brigades have abandoned support for the process, Adair insisted his commitment remains unwavering.
"I have been committed to the peace process and peaceful means prior to and since my release from custody under the Good Friday Agreement," he said.
The SDLP's Northern Ireland Assembly member for the area, Mr Alban Maginness, had accused the UDA of the pipe bomb attack on his Antrim Road base last night.
He claimed it was a response to his strong criticism of Adair following a decision by the Northern Ireland Sentence Review Commission earlier this week to keep the loyalist chief in Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, Co Antrim.
But Adair said: "It is spurious to suggest that I was connected in any way with the attack on Mr Maginness's offices."
Lawyers for Adair are expected to seek a judicial review of the commissioners' ruling.
The body had found in favour of Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson, who opposed a preliminary finding that Adair should be released.
Mr Mandelson ordered the convicted paramilitary leader be returned to jail last August at the height of loyalist violence on the streets of violence which led to seven murders and forced hundreds to flee their homes.
PA