Unionist unease 'needs a channel'

Jim Allister attended the meeting

Disaffected unionists have met in County Tyrone to discuss the prospect of forming a new party opposed to power-sharing with Sinn Fein.

The independent MEP Jim Allister, who quit the DUP over its decision to share power with republicans, was among those at the talks in Moygashel Orange Hall.

He said it was clear that "unease among grassroots unionists to the DUP-Sinn Fein government is increasing".

"The task now is to channel this opposition - it is a work in progress."

Mr Allister said it was one of a series of meetings. Among those attending were Robin Sterling and Leslie Cubitt, two former DUP councillors who quit the party this year.

Mr Allister, who previously left the party in the 1980s after a disagreement, was opposed to the DUP executive's resolution committing to power-sharing.

He said "the lure of office has clouded the party's judgment".