LOYALIST activist Jamie Bryson has said he is in “weekly” contact with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
Speaking on BBC’s Radio Ulster’s The Nolan Show, Mr Bryson was asked about his level of access to the DUP leader.
It followed an interview with Sr Jeffrey in which he said he was not an adviser to the party.
“I wouldn’t call Jamie Bryson anything other than what Jamie Bryson is,” Sir Jeffrey said.
“He runs a blog, he runs an online pro-union website and he takes a similar position as we do in opposition to the protocol.
“I think I’ve had two meetings with Jamie Bryson in the last year.”
Speaking yesterday, Mr Bryson said: “I think Sir Jeffrey was probably caught on the hop.
“He would keep me up to date on what’s going on in Westminster and I would express views to him. That is not being an adviser,” he said.
Pressed on how often he was in touch, he said: “I would say on a weekly basis would be a fair analysis.”
Asked why he had such regular access to the DUP leader, Mr Bryson said it was likely he was seen as a “conduit” to grassroots unionists and loyalists.
Mr Nolan also defended giving such a lengthy platform to an unelected representative, stating: “We know the level of influence that you often have within political parties. It comes back to that fundamental question… who are you?”
Mr Bryson said there was nothing “improper” about his relationship with the DUP, pointing out the party would also consult with a broad range in unionism, including band forums, the Orange Order and the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC), which includes representatives from loyalist paramilitaries.
Questioned about loyalist paramilitaries, Mr Bryson said: “I am not, nor never have been a member of the UVF or any proscribed organisation.”
For many years, he said he had engaged in “transition work” with people involved with the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando.
“I have absolutely no shame in that whatsoever and I fundamentally believe that people from a conflict-related loyalist background have an absolute entitlement to play a full part in this society in peaceful and democratic ways.”
Questioned about UVF involvement in the drug trade and if he was friends with any dealers, he said: “I think there may well be people who are individual members of the UVF who are involved in drugs and that is to be totally condemned... if anybody is involved in drugs, I’m quite sure they’re not going to come and tell me about it.”
The DUP was contacted for a response.
