Menu
20/02/2003
UDA bomb move 'not an act of decommissioning'
Police last night discovered 18 pipe bombs on playing fields at Somerdale Park in the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast.
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) claimed it left the devices in the playing fields "as part of the ongoing steps to stabilise and normalise loyalist west Belfast".
In a statement, the UDA claimed it wanted the devices put beyond use to help restore normality following a recent feud within the organisation. However, loyalists claim the move was not an act of decommissioning despite a claim from Ulster Unionist MLA Chris McGimpsey that it was.
Security Minister Jane Kennedy welcomed the move but called on both loyalist and republican paramilitaries to "re-engage with the Independent International Commission for Decommissioning to ensure that all weapons and explosives can be safely taken out of circulation".
However, while the gesture was welcomed by community representatives from across loyalist west Belfast, the SDLP's north Belfast MLA Alban Maginnis said the UDA had to make more than a token gesture.
He added: "I hope that this isn't another stunt by the UDA simply to rehabilitate themselves after some very bad publicity over the past number of months."
However, to many nationalist representatives the move is seen as a gesture to improve its image following the recent loyalist feud which saw four people dead after the expulsion of C Company leader Johnny Adair from the organisation's ranks.
This latest episode appeared to end when Adair's wife Gina, associate John White and a number of C Company members were forced to flee Northern Ireland because of safety fears.
(MB)
The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) claimed it left the devices in the playing fields "as part of the ongoing steps to stabilise and normalise loyalist west Belfast".
In a statement, the UDA claimed it wanted the devices put beyond use to help restore normality following a recent feud within the organisation. However, loyalists claim the move was not an act of decommissioning despite a claim from Ulster Unionist MLA Chris McGimpsey that it was.
Security Minister Jane Kennedy welcomed the move but called on both loyalist and republican paramilitaries to "re-engage with the Independent International Commission for Decommissioning to ensure that all weapons and explosives can be safely taken out of circulation".
However, while the gesture was welcomed by community representatives from across loyalist west Belfast, the SDLP's north Belfast MLA Alban Maginnis said the UDA had to make more than a token gesture.
He added: "I hope that this isn't another stunt by the UDA simply to rehabilitate themselves after some very bad publicity over the past number of months."
However, to many nationalist representatives the move is seen as a gesture to improve its image following the recent loyalist feud which saw four people dead after the expulsion of C Company leader Johnny Adair from the organisation's ranks.
This latest episode appeared to end when Adair's wife Gina, associate John White and a number of C Company members were forced to flee Northern Ireland because of safety fears.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
04 May 2007
Belfast loyalists jailed for extortion
Two Belfast loyalists have each been jailed for six years after admitting attempting to blackmail an undercover policeman. David Coleman, 21, from Hopewell Crescent and William McClean, 45 from Hopewell Place, offered “security” for £5,000 to a firm which had been subject to vandalism and thefts.
Belfast loyalists jailed for extortion
Two Belfast loyalists have each been jailed for six years after admitting attempting to blackmail an undercover policeman. David Coleman, 21, from Hopewell Crescent and William McClean, 45 from Hopewell Place, offered “security” for £5,000 to a firm which had been subject to vandalism and thefts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
