Alliance MLA Sorcha Eastwood receives substantial settlement from ex-DUP member

Eastwood says she has increased her personal security after 'sinister smear campaign'

MLA was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly from Lagan Valley in the 2022 Assembly election

An Alliance Party councillor is to receive a substantial five-figure sum from a former DUP member after a social media remark about her.

Sorcha Eastwood, the party's MLA for Lagan Valley, said she had been the victim of a "sinister smear campaign" by loyalists.

She said she had increased her personal security as a result.

"This has been a very difficult time for me and my family," she said.

"I am grateful for the support of my party and colleagues during this time."

The settlement was reached after Eastwood took legal action against the former DUP member.

The details of the settlement are confidential.