He stated: “I would urge anyone with information about this crime to contact the Police. Violence begets violence and I hope that this is not the start of a feud.
“People are concluding that the attack has all the hallmarks of those behind it of having UVF associations which had serious implications for that organisation’s partners in the Assembly.
“For the Ulster Unionists, this attack confirms the disgraceful decision in aligning itself with the PUP, who represent the UVF, at Stormont. This was a lapse of collective judgement on the part of its leadership. The spin that the involvement of the PUP with Ulster Unionists was a prelude to a new non violent attitude on the part of the UVF has been proved wrong and seriously misplaced. Even at this very late stage the UUP should admit that it has made a mistake and end its association with paramilitary associates.
“In the meantime, all democrats will be appalled at yet another example of people taking the law into their own hands. The rule of law must prevail, and our political leaders must remember that without exception.”
ENDS