Menu
08/06/2016
Leading Loyalist William 'Plum' Smith Dies Aged 62
Leading loyalist William 'Plum' Smith has died at the age of 62.
Mr Smith, who was Chairman of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), played a central role in the peace process.
Former PUP leader Brian Ervine told BBC's Good Morning Ulster: "Plum was in the forefront of negotiating and bringing loyalist paramilitaries into the peace process and politicising the UVF and Red Hand Commando.
"He was a very intelligent fellow, he educated himself in Long Kesh. I'm just very, very sorry, I found him a very decent human being, and I found him a very forward thinking human being and he will be a loss, certainly to the Progressive Unionist Party and the loyalist community."
Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness tweeted: "Sorry to hear that William (Plum) Smith has died. I valued his commitment & contribution to Peace. My sympathy to his wife & family."
(CD)
Mr Smith, who was Chairman of the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), played a central role in the peace process.
Former PUP leader Brian Ervine told BBC's Good Morning Ulster: "Plum was in the forefront of negotiating and bringing loyalist paramilitaries into the peace process and politicising the UVF and Red Hand Commando.
"He was a very intelligent fellow, he educated himself in Long Kesh. I'm just very, very sorry, I found him a very decent human being, and I found him a very forward thinking human being and he will be a loss, certainly to the Progressive Unionist Party and the loyalist community."
Sinn Fein MLA Martin McGuinness tweeted: "Sorry to hear that William (Plum) Smith has died. I valued his commitment & contribution to Peace. My sympathy to his wife & family."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 January 2009
Peace People Return To Belfast
A veteran of many 'peace' rallies in the 1970s - Mairead Corrigan Maguire - one of the original anti-NI Troubles 'Peace People', has addressed a large Belfast crowd to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. She was speaking at the weekend when the City Hall demonstration was held against the Israeli attack on the Gaza area.
Peace People Return To Belfast
A veteran of many 'peace' rallies in the 1970s - Mairead Corrigan Maguire - one of the original anti-NI Troubles 'Peace People', has addressed a large Belfast crowd to condemn the actions of the Israeli government in Gaza. She was speaking at the weekend when the City Hall demonstration was held against the Israeli attack on the Gaza area.
31 January 2002
John Hume honoured with Ghandi Peace Prize
Former leader of the SDLP and Nobel Laureate John Hume will be honoured in India with the Ghandi Peace Prize.
John Hume honoured with Ghandi Peace Prize
Former leader of the SDLP and Nobel Laureate John Hume will be honoured in India with the Ghandi Peace Prize.
04 July 2002
Parties heckled at Hillsborough talks
The SDLP, Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionist Party all came under verbal attack from a handful of loyalist protestors today as they arrived to take part in crisis talks at Hillsborough Castle.
Parties heckled at Hillsborough talks
The SDLP, Sinn Féin and the Ulster Unionist Party all came under verbal attack from a handful of loyalist protestors today as they arrived to take part in crisis talks at Hillsborough Castle.
25 June 2001
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith. Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith. Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
27 November 2020
PSNI Urged To Tackle Ongoing Loyalist Criminality
The PSNI have been urged to tackle ongoing UDA and loyalist criminality following three security alerts in the Dervock area.
PSNI Urged To Tackle Ongoing Loyalist Criminality
The PSNI have been urged to tackle ongoing UDA and loyalist criminality following three security alerts in the Dervock area.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
