Many loyalist murals are being painted over since the ending of a bitter feud

Professor Bill Rolston of the University of Ulster believes loyalists are moving away from the depiction of hooded gunmen in paramilitary uniform.

The leading academic has also noted a shift in republican murals, which he says have moved away from violence and are concentrating more on the peace process.

"Republican murals responded to the ceasefires in a number of ways, dropping paramilitary references except in memorial murals, and frequently commenting on the progress - or the lack of it - in the peace process," he said.

"They have also continued to represent themes that were their hallmark since the 1980s, electoral campaigns, opposition to state repression, Irish history and mythology, and references to political struggles against colonialism and repression elsewhere in the world.

"Loyalist murals, on the contrary, became for some years increasingly dominated by paramilitary imagery and made few direct comments on political events and issues."

People are tending to get away from the gunmen and the mask and the things that were offensive to the community Frank McCoubrey Independent councillor

However, Mr Rolston said loyalist murals had changed in recent years.

"For all that they are threatening, the loyalist murals also speak of a deep inferiority complex, a defensiveness and a fear that the writing is literally on the wall for loyalists," he said.

"There are many deep problems facing them.

"The Ulster Scots murals are a breath of fresh air, but only time will tell if they will ever seriously challenge, never mind replace, paramilitary murals."

The disappearance of some murals on the predominantly loyalist lower Shankill in west Belfast was also worth noting, according to the professor.

He said the fact seven out of 14 murals had been painted out in recent months was a reflection of the changing attitudes in the area since the loyalist feud.

Old republican murals are being replaced by ones promoting the peace process

The removal of many murals followed the expulsion of supporters and family of the jailed loyalist leader Johnny Adair and his now defunct C company.

Local independent councillor Frank McCoubrey said there was fresh thinking on the ground but said change may be slow.

"I am not saying that they will move away from it completley but I think there is a change of attitiude there," he said.

"When you drive up and down the Shankill Road you can see different murals going on the walls.

"People are tending to get away from the gunmen and the mask and the things that were offensive to the community.