New unionist group to be launched

Jim Allister left the DUP last spring

A new political grouping, which will be against power-sharing at Stormont, is to be launched by former DUP MEP Jim Allister.

It will be known as the Traditional Unionist Voice.

Mr Allister claims thousands of grassroots supporters feel betrayed by the DUP sharing power with Sinn Fein.

"The Traditional Unionist Voice will occupy the traditional unionist ground so wantonly abandoned by others for the sake of office," he said.

"Tens of thousands of unionists feel sickened and deflated by the spectacle of IRA/Sinn Fein at the heart of our government, having been put there by those they trusted in the past.

"To them I say, you are not alone, ours is an honourable and legitimate view and together we can make it count."

Mr Allister resigned from the DUP after Ian Paisley announced he would go into government with Sinn Fein once a financial package was secure.