A controversial gay rights activist has sparked anger in the North by claiming that King William of Orange, a unionist hero, had male lovers.

Peter Thatchell has made the claim in response to a series of anti-gay remarks by DUP MP Iris Robinson.

King William was married, but some academics have raised hackles by pointing to his promotion of young men to high office as evidence of bisexuality.

A DUP spokesman has dismissed the allegation and has accused Mr Tatchell of setting out to antagonise unionists.