One of the loyalist parties which helped broker the Belfast Agreement is not officially a political party any more because of an administrative mix-up at its headquarters, it was confirmed today.
It means Ulster Democratic Party candidates will have to fight the forthcoming local elections in Northern Ireland as Independents.
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A leading member of the party which is linked to the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association - Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor Frank McCoubrey - is so furious with his HQ he says if elected as an Independent he will remain one and not return to the party fold when the mess is sorted out.
The internal oversight is the latest blow for the party which failed to win a seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly following the Belfast Agreement and which suffered a major split in January when a quarter of its ruling party officers quit after becoming disenchanted with the agreement.
The blunder meant the UDP was not registered as a political party by May 1st in accordance with new UK legislation.
Party spokesman Mr David Adams said: "It's an embarrassment and a shame but it was an administrative error and these things happen."
It is understood the UDP took it for granted that it was already registered as a political party under previous Northern Ireland regulations and only discovered too late that it had to register again with the London-based Electoral Commission.
The registration went in three or four days late. This means that come a June 7th poll the party will again be a party but too late for its candidates to use the party name on ballot papers.
PA