Menu
15/10/2001
Burnside defends decision to talk with UDA
Hardline Ulster Unionist MP David Burnside has defended his decision to meet with a loyalist paramilitary group during the summer without his party’s knowledge.
Mr Burnside, who is MP for South Antrim, confirmed he met with the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) during the summer and would do so again if asked.
The Secretary of State Dr John Reid officially declared the UDA’s ceasefire over along with the Ulster Volunteer Force and Loyalist Volunteer Force, on Friday October 12.
In an interview with The Observer Mr Burnside said he met the so-called 'inner council' of the UDA and outlined his analysis of the political situation in Northern Ireland. He also said he called on the UDA to halt its violence, he added: “Several months ago I was asked to go to north Belfast because I was concerned about the increasing violence up there. I was approached to speak to the UDA leadership. I was happy to do that. I gave them my political analysis and how I saw the situation at present.”
Asked if he was prepared to hold similar talks with republicans, the anti-Good Friday Agreement MP said: “No because I don't have any influence on republicans.”
Mr Burnside’s remarks have shocked fellow UUP colleague Duncan Shipley-Dalton who has called for his resignation and distancing from any association with the UDA.
The Observer reported that Mr Burnside had not consulted with his party’s leadership about his meeting with the paramilitary group.
It has been reported that Mr Burnside’s Ulster Unionist colleagues will raise the issue of his talks with the UDA this week. (AMcE)
Mr Burnside, who is MP for South Antrim, confirmed he met with the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) during the summer and would do so again if asked.
The Secretary of State Dr John Reid officially declared the UDA’s ceasefire over along with the Ulster Volunteer Force and Loyalist Volunteer Force, on Friday October 12.
In an interview with The Observer Mr Burnside said he met the so-called 'inner council' of the UDA and outlined his analysis of the political situation in Northern Ireland. He also said he called on the UDA to halt its violence, he added: “Several months ago I was asked to go to north Belfast because I was concerned about the increasing violence up there. I was approached to speak to the UDA leadership. I was happy to do that. I gave them my political analysis and how I saw the situation at present.”
Asked if he was prepared to hold similar talks with republicans, the anti-Good Friday Agreement MP said: “No because I don't have any influence on republicans.”
Mr Burnside’s remarks have shocked fellow UUP colleague Duncan Shipley-Dalton who has called for his resignation and distancing from any association with the UDA.
The Observer reported that Mr Burnside had not consulted with his party’s leadership about his meeting with the paramilitary group.
It has been reported that Mr Burnside’s Ulster Unionist colleagues will raise the issue of his talks with the UDA this week. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 September 2003
Beggs calls for rebel MPs to re-take Unionist whip
East Antrim MP, Roy Beggs has called on the three rebel Ulster Unionist MPs to apply to re-take the party Whip when Parliament resumes later this month.
Beggs calls for rebel MPs to re-take Unionist whip
East Antrim MP, Roy Beggs has called on the three rebel Ulster Unionist MPs to apply to re-take the party Whip when Parliament resumes later this month.
09 August 2016
Former UDA Brigadier Was Aware He Was Under Threat - PSNI
Former UDA brigadier John Boreland was aware he was under threat after he was fatally shot in north Belfast on Sunday, 07 August, according to the police. The shooting attack happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area in Ballysillan at approximately 9.50pm. He died at the scene.
Former UDA Brigadier Was Aware He Was Under Threat - PSNI
Former UDA brigadier John Boreland was aware he was under threat after he was fatally shot in north Belfast on Sunday, 07 August, according to the police. The shooting attack happened in the Sunningdale Gardens area in Ballysillan at approximately 9.50pm. He died at the scene.
08 April 2008
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
UDA 'Isn't Going Away'
While the IRA "haven't gone away, you know" - as infamously declared by the Sinn Fein President, Gerry Adams - a Belfast court case this week appears to point towards the loyalist paramilitary group, the UDA doing - or "not doing" the same thing.
11 October 2005
Funeral takes place of former UDA chief
The funeral of former UDA chief Jim Gray has taken place in Belfast on Tuesday. Gray, 47, the former UDA 'brigadier' in east Belfast, was shot dead outside his father's home last week. Tuesday's service took place at his father's home with members of the UDA told to stay away from the house.
Funeral takes place of former UDA chief
The funeral of former UDA chief Jim Gray has taken place in Belfast on Tuesday. Gray, 47, the former UDA 'brigadier' in east Belfast, was shot dead outside his father's home last week. Tuesday's service took place at his father's home with members of the UDA told to stay away from the house.
14 April 2005
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
Former east Belfast UDA leader has bank accounts frozen
Former east Belfast UDA leader Jim Gray has had his bank accounts frozen, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard today. The 47-year-old, who was charged at the weekend with possessing and concealing criminal property but who denies the charges, appeared by video link from Maghaberry Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:This morning will be dry and rather cloudy, a little brightness here and there. Remaining dry this afternoon but still often cloudy. Fresh to strong westerly winds. Mild. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. Then the rest of the night will be mainly dry and mostly cloudy, although rain may reach the north coast later. Windy. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
