Group backs unmasked loyalist

The Panorama programme featured Denis Cunningham

The political group linked to the Ulster Defence Association has said it still supports one of its members identified by a BBC programme as a masked man who read out a loyalist paramilitary statement.

BBC One's Panorama programme Gangsters at War on Sunday showed a man wearing a balaclava who it said it was convinced was Denis Cunningham.

He was flanked by gunmen as he read out a statement from the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF).

Mr Cunningham is the Ulster Political Research Group's representative for west Belfast and is a community worker in a group funded by government grants.

He has categorically denied the programme's claims.

Loyalist councillor Frank McCoubrey, who is also a member of the UPRG, said Mr Cunningham had the full backing of the group.

He said: "Denis Cunningham is a member of my constituency in west Belfast and a leading member of the UPRG in west Belfast.

"I have spoken to community representatives this morning who work with Denis and they have given him their 110% support.

"Whatever has happened in the past is a matter for Denis to take up."

UFF statement

Earlier this year the UPRG announced a new ceasefire on behalf of the UDA and promised an end to its criminality and drug-dealing.

The UFF statement was recorded in January 2002 on the day a sectarian murder victim of the UDA was buried.

Catholic postman Danny McColgan was shot dead by the UDA as he went to work in the Rathcoole estate.

His killing provoked widespread revulsion and trade unions staged a protest to express their anger over the killing.

When challenged about Panorama's claims, Mr Cunningham said: "I just find your allegation to be totally unfounded and, to be honest with you, a bit absurd.

"I find it quite appalling that you can come out with that sort of statement."

As a UPRG representative, Mr Cunningham also sits on the Loyalist Commission and he was among its delegation that met Northern Ireland's police chief Hugh Orde recently.

The commission, which was set up to provide political analysis for the loyalist paramilitary groups, includes unionist and loyalist politicians and members of the Protestant clergy.

Gangsters At War was broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 22 June at 2215BST.