Sunday Life can reveal the top loyalist - the terror group's commander in the Woodvale area - requested the meeting with Craig's aunt, Cathy McIlvenny, earlier this month, through an intermediary.

The paramilitary boss also passed a message to the family, denying any involvement in Craig's killing during the bitter LVF-UVF feud in July 2005.

But Mrs McIlvenny, whose sister and Craig's mum, Lorraine, was murdered by the UDA in 1987, rejected the UVF leader's offer.

The west Belfast woman claims the terrorist has only offered to meet the murder victim because he hopes to secure a highly-paid job in the local community.

The Shankill-based hairdresser, who has raised her concerns with Belfast City Council and the police, hit out at the terrorist for requesting the meeting.

Said Mrs McIlvenny: "Why did this man not request this meeting two years ago?

"Why is he only issuing these denials now?

" We are not afraid to meet him, but there's no point because he will just tell us lies. We believe he ordered the murder of an innocent person, because the police told us they believed he had.

"He is going for a big job now in the community and I think he is worried because I have been contacting different people about him, including the funders of various community posts.

"I am not trying to stop community groups, but important jobs should be given to individuals who make a positive impact in the areas - not someone who continues to intimidate and threaten people.

"This man wants a good job because his organisation has said that their arms have been put beyond use.

"He wants to meet with us in a bid to prove he had nothing to do with my nephew's killing, but we know the truth."

Sunday Life knows the name of the top terrorist, but cannot publish it for legal reasons.

Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan is also investigating Craig's killing over claims the gunmen were police informers.

Craig was one of four men murdered by the UVF in a six-week killing spree in 2005.

Police have confirmed that he was not a member of any paramilitary organisation.

It has been suggested he may have been targeted because he refused to join the UVF.