A GROUP of loyalist businessmen in the North is threatening to terminate all contracts with suppliers in the Republic if a nationalist boycott of Protestant firms along the Border continues.
The group telephoned Stormont Castle last Wednesday and told the duty officer to warn the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, of its intentions.
The businessmen gave October 1st as the deadline for an end to the nationalist boycott, which started after the Drumcree stand off, last month.
The Northern Ireland Office has confirmed that the call was, received and that it is not being treated as the work of cranks. However, a spokesman would not comment further.
The businessmen are believed to have substantial dealings with companies in the Republic, for goods ranging from nappies and milk to timber and furniture.
The chairman of the Confederation of British Industry in the North, Mr Bill Tosh, urged the group not to mount a boycott. It could backfire and have serious implications for the North's economy, he said.