The Ulster Unionist Party has defended an election candidate being in attendance at a social event where a song with UVF-related lyrics was performed.
Brian Kerr was filmed at a social club in Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, during which a singer performs the loyalist tune Daddy's Uniform.
The footage seen by Belfast Live appears to show a woman dancing while draped in a UVF flag and another woman holding an inflatable toy gun.
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Several attendees appear to join in as the performer sings the lyrics, "The U it stands for Ulster, the V for Volunteer, the F it stands for the Force, that fights and never fears."
Mr Kerr, who has been chosen by the UUP to stand for election next May to Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, was joined at the event by his partner, Karen Phillips.
Both are involved in running Listening Ear, a charity in Rathcoole which provides support on issues including housing and mental health.
A complaint was made to the Charity Commission over the summer about the footage, which appears to have been filmed at Newtownabbey Linfield Supporters Club in Rathcoole.
The watchdog decided not to take further action after establishing the incident did not occur at Listening Ear's premises or events, according to correspondence.
The UUP said the party's record against glorifying paramilitarism is "very clear" and Mr Kerr "didn't know the song was going to be sung and he didn't participate in the singing".
In a statement a party spokesman said: "The Ulster Unionist Party position on paramilitarism has been very clear. Indeed (party leader) Doug Beattie has been very vocal against all forms of paramilitarism, criminality, organised crime and its glorification.
"Mr Kerr didn't know the song was going to be sung and he didn't participate in the singing. It is unreasonable to link Mr Kerr to the singing of the song purely due to his presence in the room and the video clearly shows, in its limited way, that he is not engaged in the singing or in the promotion of the song.
"Our stance on paramilitarism and the glorification of terrorism has not changed and will not change."
Ms Phillips said she did not sing the song but defended its lyrics, describing it as a "historical song re the Second World War and in no way related to paramilitaries".
She claimed she has been subjected to a "campaign of harassment against me by those who wish to see Listening Ear fail".
In an email she said: "I went to the bar and bought a drink for someone, the camera turned to me and I waved my arms.
"At no point in the video do you see me sing or chant paramilitary slogans.
"Listening Ear works with anyone and everyone no matter who they are, for the betterment of people."
The Charity Commission confirmed it "looked into a concern regarding the charity".
A spokeswoman added: "Following engagement with the charity trustees, the concern was concluded by the commission as the charity provided the requested information and assurance."
She added they would "strongly encourage" charity trustees to "exercise personal caution regarding any action they may take which would be seen as an endorsement or promotion" of an "inappropriate song or chant".
It emerges after Mr Kerr faced criticism for giving a court reference for a man jailed for battering his ex-wife.
In the letter he said the defendant had made a "positive difference to the community during the Covid crisis".
Women's Aid said the letter should not have been provided, but Mr Kerr said he gave "statements of facts, not statements of support".
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