Leading loyalist politicians attended the funeral yesterday of Mr Jim Guiney, the Protestant shopkeeper killed by the INLA on Monday. Hundreds of mourners gathered outside the victim's home in Milltown Avenue, Derriaghy, on the outskirts of south Belfast.
Inside, a family service took place attended by close friends including Mr Gary McMichael, leader of the Ulster Democratic Party, the UDA's political wing, and party colleagues Mr Davy Adams and Mr John White.
Security and loyalist sources have said Mr Guiney was a local UDA commander. However, the UDA itself has issued no statement either confirming or denying this. Mr McMichael said Mr Guiney had worked for the UDP in election campaigns but was not a formal member of the party.
Journalists were kept well back during the service. Only one photographer and a television crew were allowed near the house. The rest of the media were instructed not to identify mourners. The coffin left the house accompanied by a 16-strong guard of honour, some in white shirts and black arm-bands. Others wore Orange sashes. A UDA flag, which made reference to murdered UDA commander John McMichael, draped the coffin. Mr Guiney's sash and a Glasgow Rangers shirt lay on top.
Mourners were led by his widow, Johanna; children, Charlene, Katrina, Victoria and James; and his parents, Jim and Kathleen. There were dozens of wreaths from the UDA and the UDP.
A neighbour described him as "an unofficial councillor", "someone you could go to when you wanted help and advice".