A senior loyalist paramilitary whose organization was responsible for the murder of hundreds of Catholics during the Troubles has revealed his special "friendship" with Irish President Mary McAleese.

Jackie McDonald is regarded as the leader of the outlawed Ulster Defense Association (UDA), which was responsible for some of the worst atrocities of the Troubles.

However, in recent years McDonald has emerged as a moderating influence within militant loyalism, openly meeting with McAleese and her husband Martin.

In a new book "First Citizen: Mary McAleese and the Irish Presidency," McDonald reveals the extent of his growing relationship with the McAleeses, insisting he hopes they will be "friends forever."

In 2004 McDonald had initially turned down an invitation to McAleese's second inauguration as Irish president, fearing that his presence would overshadow the event.

However, revealing how McAleese had insisted on the senior Loyalist's presence, he said, "She said, 'You're coming to the inauguration. You are my friend."

At the event McDonald came face-to-face with then Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern for the first time.

Revealing the full extent of the Irish government efforts to encourage militant Loyalists to "come in from the cold" he said, "A lot (in Northern Ireland) are very wary of supporting people like myself, but because of Bertie and the president, it has made it easier for others to talk to me."

Asked about his relationship with the McAleeses, he said, "I hope we will be friends forever. They are fantastic."

The book also reveals how in 2003 Martin McAleese presented an Irish passport to the hardline Loyalist, to enable him to travel abroad to attend a Glasgow Rangers football match.