A gunman fired at the car being driven by Davy Mahood, 53, before his weapon jammed.

The gunman then escaped on a motorcycle.

The attack happened on Thursday close to a car park on the city's Oldpark Road near the junction with Deerpark Road.

Davy Mahood blamed republicans

The police said they were investigating a shooting in the area and that a spent bullet case was found at the scene.

Mr Mahood, a member of the Ulster Political Research Group, was on his way to his office in the neighbouring Ballysillan area.

The UPRG is understood to provide political analysis to the largest loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association.

Mr Mahood has blamed republicans for the shooting.

"At about a quarter past nine (0915 BST) I was driving to work up the Oldpark - I work in Ballysillan," he said.

"A gunman stepped out onto the footpath around about the corner of Cliftondene and fired a shot at the car.

"The bullet missed. The gun jammed and when he tried to clear it, it jammed again. He was standing in a car park at the time."

I am satisfied the IRA was not involved - it may be elements within loyalism or it could be other republican groups

Gerry Kelly Sinn Fein

He added: "Fortunately he missed. So there was a gunman who made an attempt on my life and my gut feeling is that it has come from the republican side."

However, Sinn Fein's Gerry Kelly said he was satisfied the IRA was not behind the incident.

"The details are very sketchy and all we know is what Mr Mahood has said on the radio," he said.

"I am satisfied the IRA was not involved. It may be elements within loyalism or it could be other republican groups."

Police were alerted when Mr Mahood flashed his car lights at an oncoming police Land Rover.

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds condemned the attack on Mr Mahood.

"This attempt on Mr Mahood's life must be condemned in the most forthright terms," said the Democratic Unionist.

"This incident is clearly aimed at stoking up tensions. The sinister elements responsible need to be apprehended as soon as possible and brought to justice."