The Ulster Defence Association has shot one of its most senior political representatives in Belfast, it emerged today.
The UDA admitted carrying out the punishment attack on Mr Davy Mahood following an "internal disciplinary hearing".
Mr Mahood had surgery today after being shot in both legs in the Ballysillan area of North Belfast last night.
A statement issued by the UDA claimed he had been brought before paramilitary chiefs following a four-month investigation. It said: "Mahood's life was spared, largely because of the intervention of the new regime".
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Mr Mahood, a spokesman for the UDA-linked Ulster Political Research Group, claimed last month that he had been the subject of a murder bid when a gunman opened fire on him in North Belfast.