Loyalists join unionists on trip

Leading unionists and loyalists from Northern Ireland are on their way to South Africa to discuss what they describe as "a vision for unionism".

The group includes members of Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party and David Trimble's Ulster Unionist Party.

Representatives of the loyalist Progressive Unionist Party are also travelling to South Africa. The party is linked to the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force.

They will be joined by members of the Ulster Political Research Group - an organisation which provides political analysis for the loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association.

The trip was organised by the County Wicklow-based Glencree Centre for Reconciliation.

Perhaps we can talk about where mainstream unionism finds it difficult to cope with the more frenetic and violent side of our nature

Lord Maginnis, Ulster Unionist

A spokesman from the centre said the parties would have the opportunity to learn from South Africa's experience of conflict resolution, and work on their own political skills.

They are expected to meet political and church leaders, and are scheduled to talk to former president FW de Klerk.

Ceasefire

Also taking part will be Roelf Meyer, a senior negotiator for FW de Klerk's National Party in the talks which ended apartheid in South Africa.

Mr Meyer has been a regular visitor to Belfast during the peace process.

The Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) is sending two representatives on the visit - councillors Tommy Kirkham and Frankie Gallagher.

David Ervine: Representing the PUP

The DUP's Gregory Campbell defended his party's decision to go on the visit in spite of the presence of the UPRG, despite the fact that the UDA to which it has links,is no longer on ceasefire.

He said the party's deputy leader, Peter Robinson, and Paul Berry were joining the delegation too.

Mr Campbell said his party's opposition to violence was clear and said he "would not treat the UPRG as equals when it came to democracy".

DUP leader Ian Paisley denied his party was being hypocritical by travelling to South Africa with loyalists but still refusing to negotiate with republicans.

'Formula'

The UUP's Danny Kennedy is travelling, along with the PUP's David Ervine.

Former UUP MP Ken Maginnis, who now sits in the House of Lords, said differences within unionism would be discussed.

Gregory Campbell: "Party's position on violence is clear"

"Perhaps we can talk about where mainstream unionism finds it difficult to cope with the more frenetic and violent side of our nature," he said.

Glencree director Ian White said peace building "is more than just putting a cross-community formula together".

The Glencree Centre has been involved in a number of projects in recent years aimed at building bridges between divided communities.

A 17-strong group will shortly be going to South Africa, made up of former paramilitaries and victims of violence.