He is hated by nationalists, loved by loyalists and is considering a political career. Suzanne Breen profiles UDA commander Johnny Adair
His nickname might be "Mad Dog" but the joke on the Shankill is that Johnny Adair seems more like a pussy-cat these days.
The UDA commander, who is believed to have been involved in the murder of 22 Catholics, is talking peace and considering a political career.
There was even more shock on the road yesterday when news broke that his son Jonathon (17) had been shot in the legs by the UDA.
Local people claimed it was for alleged "anti-social activity" and many said they were "pleasantly surprised" the UDA had taken action despite his father's high profile within the organisation.
"If the son of a UDA commander is misbehaving, then he has to be treated like other kids," said a local community activist. "There can't be any favouritism. I'm glad there were people brave enough to do this despite his father's reputation. If some kids escape punishment because of who they are, it causes resentment."
Jonathon, the eldest of Adair's four children with his wife Gina, has been targeted before. He was beaten up last year while his father was in prison. Loyalist sources say the UDA was planning to shoot him several months ago but he received a warning instead.
One source said the fact that the teenager was able to leave hospital several hours after the shooting meant his injuries weren't serious. "OK, the UDA shot Johnny Adair's son but they only gave him a flesh wound. It wasn't half as serious as what they've done to other youths."
Mr John White, of the Ulster Political Research Group, who is a close adviser to Johnny Adair, says the shooting is "regrettable" but claims it will not lead to an internal UDA feud.
"Johnny remains committed to a purely political course," he said.
Johnny Adair has been attempting to reinvent himself since his release from prison three months ago.
The man hated and feared by Catholics, because of his murderous campaign against them during the 1980s and 1990s, now speaks of his efforts to "calm" his community and "defuse tensions" on the streets during the marching season.
He has misgivings about the Belfast Agreement but "it's the only show in town". He gave "100 per cent" to the conflict and now is offering the same dedication to the peace, he says.
Many observers question his sincerity. Mr White insists he is genuine.
Adair had always seen himself as a soldier, not a politician, and had scoffed at Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness for donning suits and briefcases.
Now he is considering standing in next May's Assembly elections, although, he stresses, he won't be "selling out" his community.
"Working-class Protestants need someone who is going to put their views across strongly in the Assembly and I might be that man. If I do decide to do it, I will speak my mind. I'll make Ian Paisley look like a cup of tea."
Adair was jailed for 16 years in 1996 for directing terrorism. Ego and carelessness were responsible. His boasts to police on street corners about his paramilitary involvement were secretly tape-recorded.
He was granted early release in 1999 under the Belfast Agreement but was returned to jail the following year. Police claimed he was heavily involved in the UDA-UVF feud which left six men dead.
Adair is currently under round-the-clock security force surveillance.
Despite his softened political tone, he insists he has no regrets about his previous actions.
He is regularly compared to his hero, murdered Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright. Although he lacks Wright's charisma and intellect, he is popular among loyalist grassroots.
He has built a raunchy image for the Shankill UDA, which has staged armed shows of strength to Tina Turner's Simply the Best.
He is 5 feet 3 inches and sports a Mickey Mouse tattoo and pierced nipples. He is known for his trademark baseball cap and T-shirt but recently showed up at a loyalist wedding in a Hugo Boss suit.
He denies his muscular physique is due to steroids and that he is involved in large-scale drug-dealing.
He has three Alsatian dogs. He enjoys his "man of the street" image and has boasted: "I lead from the front. I'm not scared to die and I'm not scared to go to jail."
He enjoys a comfortable lifestyle. Holidays have varied between Jamaica and a caravan in Millisle, Co Down. He once played in a punk band called Offensive Weapon. He likes Bob Marley and Van Morrison.
As a teenager, he was photographed glue-sniffing at a National Front parade. He now describes that as a mistake. He is not religious but does believe in God - "well, he saved me, hasn't he?"
He has criticised the media for his nickname. "I'm not an animal. I'm a human being. I'm not a Mad Dog. I don't foam at the mouth."