Belfast MPs Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds had earlier this month met the chairman of the Loyalist Commission, the Rev Mervyn Gibson, leading to speculation that the DUP was preparing for face-to-face discussions with UDA leaders.

However, a senior DUP source said a meeting of party officers had decided to continue dialogue with Gibson, but that direct talks with any loyalist paramilitary organisations were not on the agenda.

"If we thought that by talking to these loyalist groups, we could be of use in getting them to wind up, then that would be something for us to grapple with, " the source said.

"However, the DUP is not convinced we are at that point, and has no wish to legitimise anyone engaged in terror and criminality."

The DUP insider said the party remained committed to "giving leadership to people within our own community and exploring ways we can use our influence to get loyalist paramilitaries to wind up their illegal activities."