The DUP has been urged to end all engagement with a group representing loyalist paramilitaries which appeared to threaten a return to violence.
The Loyalist Communities Council warned of "dire consequences" if Stormont's collapse led to joint authority between the British and Irish governments.
The DUP condemned threats of violence but did not rule out continuing to meet with the LCC, saying it will "engage with people from across loyalism" to "emphasise democratic politics".
