UPRG member denies Panorama claims

The Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) has come out in defence of one of its members identified, by a BBC programme, last night as a masked man who read out a loyalist paramilitary statement.

BBC One's Panorama programme 'Gangsters at War' claimed pictures of a masked man reading out a statement from the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) was UPRG member Denis Cunningham.

However, one of Mr Cunningham's UPRG colleagues has said he has the full backing of the group.

Loyalist councillor Frank McCoubrey said he had spoken to community representatives on Monday morning and that they "have given him their 110% support".

Mr Cunningham also proclaimed his innocence on the programme during a telephone interview with interviewer Kevin Magee.

Asked whether the allegations were true, 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."

The UPRG, which offer political guidance to outlawed paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), announced earlier in the year a new ceasefire on behalf of the UDA promising an end to its criminality and drug-dealing.

(MB)