A clergyman was at the centre of mediation moves today to try and prevent a new outbreak of feuding among rival loyalists in the North.
Loyalists close to the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association and the Loyalist Volunteer Force were also involved in delicate negotiations in an attempt to reach some sort of settlement.
A source close to the talks said: "If it's going to stop people getting killed then it must be a good thing."
A three-man mediation panel was set up to begin talks after the UDA leadership expelled loyalist leader Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair from the organisation.
Police, fearing an all-out feud between the former colleagues, have warned UDA commanders that their lives were under threat following their decision to oust Adair.
The West Belfast UDA boss was thrown out of the largest paramilitary grouping for refusing to support the leadership in its dispute with the LVF.
Bitter divisions were exposed after a major drugs dealer and leading LVF member Stephen Warnock was gunned down in Newtownards earlier this month.
The murder was believed to have been carried out at the behest of leading members of the UDA in east Belfast after a fall out over drugs.
Days later the LVF launched a retaliation strike against its leader in the area, Mr Jim Gray. He was shot in the face but survived.
Adair's decision to attend Warnock's funeral and his close links with the LVF incensed the UDA leadership and he was thrown out earlier this week.
Adair himself has remained defiant, claiming that rank and file UDA members in west Belfast were supporting him.
Meanwhile, the Red Hand Defenders - a grouping widely believed to be a cover for the LVF and Adair's unit - called on three commanders to resign or face "military action".
The threat was issued against so-called brigadiers in east Belfast, south Belfast and south-east Antrim.
PA