Gathering not 'show of strength'

The UPRG said the gathering of 150 loyalists in Londonderry on Thursday was a protest at unionist leadership, not a show of strength.

The group walked around mainly loyalist housing estates in the Waterside for two hours before dispersing.

Sinn Fein Foyle MLA Martina Anderson described it as a sinister development.

"It was dignified, it was silent, it didn't intimidate anybody," said David Malcolm, regional secretary of the Ulster Political Research Group.

"It's a bit rich of Sinn Fein coming and complaining considering the violent protests Sinn Fein has organised in the past."

Ms Anderson said she was concerned about more gatherings in the future.

"In light of the recent statement from the UDA in the Derry area, I am concerned that this is not just a one-off situation and that this organisation is intent on escalating tensions," she said.

The police said they monitored the group throughout and no offences were committed and no complaints were made by the public.

'Cut adrift'

Mr Malcolm said grass roots loyalist communities had not reaped any of the benefits of the peace process.

"They have been cut adrift," he said.

"Communities in the north west have sat back and watched all the benefits of the peace process go to communities around Belfast and the east of the province.

"One of the our problems is that most unionist politicians have abandoned grass roots loyalist communities.

"In the 11 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement where is the inward investment?

"These elected representatives are meant to provide the inward investment, the job opportunities for these communities and they've completely failed."

The UPRG said in July they are withdrawing support for the police in Londonderry and north Antrim.

The group, which has links with the UDA, has also withdrawn support for the political institutions after consulting with grass roots loyalists in the area.