Raymond McCord Snr has also confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph he will fight for a North Belfast seat if the Assembly election goes ahead in March.

Mr McCord, who will stand as an independent, says he made his decision after being approached by people from both sections of the community after the publication of Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's explosive report on his son's murder.

The north Belfast man, who will meet with Policing Board chairman Professor Desmond Rea on Wednesday to discuss his son's case, believes he can fight for everyone at Stormont.

Although he remains under threat from the UVF, he told the Belfast Telegraph he would still canvass in north Belfast.

The father of three is confident of adding to the 218 first preference votes he received in the 2003 Assembly elections.

Said Mr McCord: "Up until Sunday afternoon, it was 50-50 on whether or not I was going to stand in any future election because my health hasn't been the best lately.

"But after speaking to members of the public from both sides of the community in north Belfast, I believe I can help make a real difference to people's lives.

"It took me a while to make up my mind, but I did it because I am not afraid to speak out and I am disgusted by the unionist politicians in north Belfast who have failed to comment on Mrs O'Loan's report.

"I stand for justice and the truth and I think even people in nationalist communities realise this. I would work tirelessly for all working class people.

"I think the unionist politicians have been taking Protestant votes for granted in north Belfast and I don't see why I can't give people another voice."

McCord also reiterated his plea for former RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan to be dismissed from his current position as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabularies and stripped of his knighthood.

"Sir Hugh Orde told this newspaper that Ronnie Flanagan was made aware of my allegations in 1998 and yet nothing has been done about this," he said.

"I would like to know what Mr Blair thinks of this and that's why I will be requesting a meeting with him. Sir Ronnie's position is clearly untenable.

"Last week's findings by Nuala O'Loan have totally vindicated me.

"I would like to praise the media for sticking by me during my campaign but I would especially like to thank my wife, Vivienne, and sons, Gareth and Glenn, for giving me the strength to continue my fight for justice."