JAMIE Bryson - one of the most prominent speakers at the ongoing flag protests - shook the hand of Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness two years ago.
In an exclusive webchat with the News Letter website on Friday afternoon, Mr Bryson also appealed for calm and peace as dozens of fresh protests are expected to bring parts of Northern Ireland a standstill.
Mr Bryson spent almost one and a half hours answering dozens of questions from readers of the newsletter.co.uk website.
To read the full webchat click here
One reader asked: “Jamie. Did you meet Martin Maginnis in Feb 2011. If so why? and finally, did you shake his hand?”
Jamie Bryson responded: “I did. I met him in relation to community issues pertaining to North Down.
“I shook his hand because if Jesus could let Judas kiss him I am sure I could shake hands with Martin McGuinness.”
Another reader asked: “What do you think of the DUP today lodging a formal complaint to Belfast City Council about restricting the flying of the Union Flag?”
He responded: “Lets be clear, the DUP interest at the start of the flag issue was winning East Belfast back from Alliance.
“Throughout the protests they have tried at times to ride two horses. Peter Robinson had called for an end to protests yet some of his party members attended, they then told the media they were only there at the request of the PSNI, which is untrue. They need to decide if they are with us or against and not try and sit on the fence.”
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