The two main loyalist parties have denied a claim by the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, that loyalist paramilitaries are threatening to kill him because of his opposition to early releases for loyalist prisoners.
Dr Paisley, at a press conference in Belfast yesterday, complained that the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, had put the loyalist paramilitaries on a "pedestal" by making overtures to them.
He believed the death threat stemmed from his opposition to paramilitary prisoners gaining early release. He said he would not be intimidated by the alleged threats, but added that they proved the combined UVF, UDA, and Red Hand Commando ceasefire was false.
"They have intimidated so many people, and been responsible for so many cold-blooded murders, they must think everybody has a yellow streak in them. But I am not running away from anything," he said.
Dr Paisley also claimed loyalist paramilitaries were responsible for recent letter bombs and hoax bombs sent to unionist politicians, including DUP representatives and the leader of the UK Unionist Party, Mr Robert McCartney.
Mr Gary McMichael, leader of the Ulster Democratic Party which is linked to the UDA, accused Dr Paisley of playing political games and engaging in "hysterical ranting". Mr Billy Hutchinson, spokesman for the Progressive Unionist Party, which is linked to the UVF and Red Hand Commando, also rejected the charge.
Mr McMichael said it was "nonsense" to suggest that loyalist paramilitaries were responsible for the bomb alerts, particularly when his own party had been targeted.
He did not believe paramilitary groupings which came under the umbrella of the Combined Loyalist Military Command were responsible for threats against Dr Paisley.
"I think these allegations are motivated by the fact that quite clearly support for him is waning because, for once, the unionist community is being offered real leadership," said Mr McMichael.
The RUC said it was policy not to comment on such matters.
Dr Paisley also stated that the Royal Irish Regiment base in Kilkeel, Co Down is to be closed as part of a British government policy of "demilitarisation" designed to appease republicans.
The British army confirmed that it is proposed to close the base, but said a final decision would be taken after consultation with local trade unionists and other interested parties. Dr Paisley further claimed that RUC officers engaged in weapons training had their high-velocity ammunition confiscated and replaced with standard rounds. The RUC said that there had been no change in weapons training for police officers.
