ADAIR TO STAND FOR ASSEMBLY.

Byline: KIERAN McDAID

FORMER paramilitary leader Johnny Adair is "seriously considering" standing for election to the Assembly next year, it was claimed yesterday.

The convicted UFF boss is said to be thinking about running for public office in order to "look after his area".

Adair's political associate John White revealed he and several others had long been attempting to convince Adair his future lay in politics.

Mr White claimed Adair had always said he would not enter politics but after considerable encouragement he was considering what he could do to help his native Lower Shankill.

Mr White added: "It took some convincing but he is now seriously considering it. However, he still has not given a clear answer."

Meanwhile, a former leader of the UDA said he had also spoken to Adair about entering the world of politics.

Andy Tyrie, once described as the UDA's supreme commander, said Adair was "considering anything he can do for his community".

Tyrie added: "He thinks at this stage, he'd be far better being a politician and looking after his turf.

"He feels the Lower Shankill has been neglected because they don't seem to have the political representation they require."

Adair, 38, was sentenced in 1996 to 16 years in prison for directing terrorism.

He was freed under licence in 1999, as part of the early prisoner release scheme under the Good Friday Agreement.

But his early release licence was revoked in August 2000 by then Secretary of State Peter Mandelson.

Following his release in May, Adair was part of a Loyalist Commission delegation which met current Secretary of State John Reid to discuss violence at interfaces in Belfast.

CAPTION(S):

POLITICAL MOVE: Ex UFF leader Adair