Ulster Unionists delay manifesto

David Trimble's party will launch its manifesto on Wednesday

The Ulster Unionist Party has delayed its election manifesto launch after the home of one of its assembly members was searched by police.

Strategists felt the party's policies could be "overshadowed" by a police money laundering investigation.

East Belfast MLA Michael Copeland confirmed allegations had been made against him, but stressed that he was not guilty of any wrong-doing.

The party leadership opted to move the launch to Wednesday - a 48-hour delay.

We wish to focus on clearing this matter up first UUP spokesman Trimble urges 'centrist support'

A UUP spokesman said: "We would want the focus of our manifesto launch to be on our positive policies.

"In the current circumstances the event would have undoubtedly been overshadowed by the ongoing police investigation."

He added: "We wish to focus on clearing this matter up first."

Bank statements

Mr Copeland's house and offices were searched last week by detectives involved in an inquiry that has already led to charges against a leading estate agent and an ousted loyalist paramilitary boss.

Computer equipment, credit card and bank statements were taken as part of the investigation.

The raids came a fortnight after ousted Ulster Defence Association leader Jim Gray, 47, was arrested by police involved in the money laundering inquiry.

The loyalist has been charged with possessing and concealing property and his girlfriend has been accused of 16 counts of laundering cash.

Philip Johnston, who runs a chain of six estate agencies across Belfast, has also been charged in connection with the investigation.