February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The Belfast-published “Sunday World” newspaper claimed in April that it had evidence that Berry made an assignation with the male masseur and a sex act took place in a hotel room.
Berry said at the time that he had met the man because of an old sports injury and had ordered his lawyers to sue for libel. So far no court proceedings have begun, however.
The DUP said in April that it would not be making any public comment pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. Since then, however, it has held at least one exploratory disciplinary meeting with Berry.
The DUP is aggressively opposed to homosexuality. Its leader, Ian Paisley, was a prominent campaigner against gay rights in Northern Ireland in the 1980’s under the slogan, “Save Ulster From Sodomy.”
Berry at first described the sources behind reports of his suspension as spreading “malicious nonsense.”
Later, however, a party spokesman confirmed the suspension and Berry said he welcomed the opportunity to answer his critics.
“I am awaiting confirmation of a date for the committee to meet and when I am informed of the meeting I will be more than happy to attend, I am eager to have the matter resolved as quickly as possible,” he said.
Berry did not attend a recent party assembly group meeting which was addressed by the Northern Secretary, Peter Hain. When questioned about this, he said he had been at a funeral.
In relation to his potential libel action against the Sunday World, he said this was still an ongoing matter, which was still with his solicitor.
In a statement, Berry said: “Following press speculation about myself and my position within the party, I would like to make it clear that I have not received written confirmation from the party of an official suspension.”
Berry rose to prominence as a firebrand gospel singer and preacher. He frequently sang at party meetings, specializing in satirizing the then UUP leader, David Trimble.
The youngest member of the Stormont assembly, he was a leading figure in the annual Orange protests at the re-routing of its parade at Drumcree. He was only recently married.