The Crown Court heard the so-called guarantee was contained in a three-page speech which was to have been given at an alleged UDA show of strength in a north Belfast bar.

The speech, allegedly in the handwriting of 34-year-old Ihab Shoukri, declared while the UDA "must now take our fight into the political arena - it's not the end of the UDA which is here to stay".

The UDA speech concluded with the boast: "We will never go away, you know".

The speech was found in the pocket of one of five men arrested alongside Shoukri, from Westland Drive, Belfast.

Prior to the start of the trial trouble flared and riot police, called to the Laganside courthouse, stood guard as the men were kept separated by prison and security staff in the dock for the Diplock, no-jury case.

Trial judge Mr Justice Gillen heard that the six men were arrested along with a number of other suspects when police stormed the Alexandra Bar on Belfast's York Road on March 2, 2006.

Prosecution QC Charles Adair said it was the Crown case that the men were rehearsing a UDA show of strength during which "plaques" were to be handed out to people "to be honoured" the following evening.

The lawyer revealed that prior to the raid police had fired a CS gas cannister into the upstairs room of the Alexandra Bar where the meeting was allegedly being held.

Mr Adair said that among those arrested was Shoukri who was found " huddled" by a fire door.

In the jeans of one of the men, 36-year-old Gary McKenzie from Clare Heights, Belfast, police found the speech, allegedly in Shoukri's handwriting.

Shoukri denies charges of membership of the UDA, professing to be a member and supporting the UDA "by assisting in arranging or managing a meeting" of the group.

McKenzie, along with 39-year-old Samuel Todd Robinson of Arosa Crescent, Belfast, both deny UDA membership and supporting the organisation.

A fourth man, 40-year-old George McHenry of Ardoyne Road, Belfast, is also accused of UDA membership and of professing to be a member.

The remaining two accused, 50-year-old Alexandra Bar owner John Davis of Glebe Manor Glengormley and 21-year-old Alan John McClean of Westland Drive, Belfast, both deny supporting the UDA.

The trial continues.