[2] The success of the Ulster Workers Council Strike had shown some UVF leaders the political power they held and they sought to develop this potential further.
The UVF had been banned by the Government of Northern Ireland in 1966, but was legalised at the same time as Sinn Féin by Labour Secretary of State Merlyn Rees in April 1974 in order to encourage a political path for Loyalist and republican paramilitary groups.
Ken Gibson contested the West Belfast seat, which included parts of the Shankill district, in the October 1974 general election.
In the election, Gibson was supported by Glen Barr of Vanguard, Charles Harding Smith, the leader of the West Belfast Ulster Defence Association and the independent Shankill councillor Hugh Smyth, who went on to become one of the founders of the Progressive Unionist Party.
A statement announced; "The low poll for the VPP candidate indicates that the general public does not support the political involvement of the UVF.