THE REV Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said after meeting President Clinton that he believed the United States Was biased in its stance on the North, in favour of the nationalist cause.
"The perception in Northern Ireland is that the United States government and its president lean more towards the republican elements in the community than towards the majority unionist population," Dr Paisley told reporters yesterday.
"I would like to see statements from the president saying that if the people of Northern Ireland choose the Union they are entitled to choose the Union," he added.
Dr Paisley, who was scheduled to meet the US National Security Adviser, Mr Anthony Lake, said President Clinton dropped in on the meeting and he told the US president of his concerns.
"I made it clear I don't think it the duty or task or business of the United States government or president to interfere in the internal relations of Northern Ireland," Dr Paisley said. "In statements that come from the president we would look for a balance, and I put that forcefully to him.
Dr Paisley declined to say how Mr Clinton responded.
The White House later issued a statement saying Mr Clinton joined Mr Lake and Dr Paisley for part of their half hour meeting and the president had stressed the US has no preferred outcome to the negotiations on Northern Ireland.
"They (Clinton and Lake) emphasised the importance the United States attaches to the viewpoints of both communities in Northern Ireland," the statement said.
Dr Paisley said the decision to give two seats to each party under the "top up" provision amounted to rigging the election, but added that his party, the Democratic Unionist Party, would still stand in the election.