Ex-members of the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who quit over his powersharing deal with Sinn Féin are in talks about forming a new alliance, it emerged today.
Five councillors in their former leader's Ballymena, Co Antrim stronghold have now walked away from the party over the decision to sit alongside republicans in new Northern Ireland administration.
James Alexander, the town's mayor, and Robin Stirling, who last year led the drive to have Dr Paisley granted the freedom of Ballymena, announced their departures last night.
They are to continue to serve on the local authority as independents, but one of those who left earlier confirmed exploratory talks about a possible coalition have been held.
Cllr Sam Gaston said: "We are looking at further down the line. . . . It's not good to have too many independents and no say in anything."
Mr Gaston and Roy Gillespie, a founding member of the DUP, have declared themselves Protestant Unionist councillors since quitting. The fifth to go, former Ireland rugby international David Tweed, may share their views, Mr Gaston claimed.
The series of resignations mean the DUP has lost overall control of Ballymena Council.
DUP MEP Jim Allister and Audrey Patterson, a representative in Ballymoney, Co Antrim, have also severed their party ties over Dr Paisley's historic pact with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams.
Another councillor in Ballymena, William Wilkinson, confirmed he would decide whether to remain in the DUP after being called before a disciplinary hearing.
PA