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01/11/2007
Community Project Pays Price Of UDA Violence
The axe has finally fallen on the promised £1.2m UDA-linked conflict transformation scheme for the regeneration of loyalist areas.
The Department of Social Development has served notice of termination to Farset, the independent organisation appointed to oversee the project.
The notice was issued on Tuesday, two weeks after DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie said the funding would end.
The delay was due to legal issues and disagreements within the Assembly Executive over how to proceed.
Mrs Ritchie originally set a deadline for the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) to begin giving up guns after repeated violence linked to the loyalist group.
However, the UDA said it would adhere to its 'own timetable' for getting rid of its weapons.
In a statement to the Assembly earlier this month, Ms Ritchie said the actions of the UDA had meant the retention of the Conflict Transformation Initiative originally proposed by then NI Secretary of State, Peter Hain could not be justified.
In a separate development yesterday, eight men were arrested in connection with so-called dissident republican activity.
Police said a number of items were recovered after house searches in Londonderry and Strabane.
Seven of those arrested on Wednesday are understood to be from Strabane and one from Derry. All were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They were taken to Antrim PSNI station's specialist facility for questioning.
(BMcC)
The Department of Social Development has served notice of termination to Farset, the independent organisation appointed to oversee the project.
The notice was issued on Tuesday, two weeks after DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie said the funding would end.
The delay was due to legal issues and disagreements within the Assembly Executive over how to proceed.
Mrs Ritchie originally set a deadline for the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) to begin giving up guns after repeated violence linked to the loyalist group.
However, the UDA said it would adhere to its 'own timetable' for getting rid of its weapons.
In a statement to the Assembly earlier this month, Ms Ritchie said the actions of the UDA had meant the retention of the Conflict Transformation Initiative originally proposed by then NI Secretary of State, Peter Hain could not be justified.
In a separate development yesterday, eight men were arrested in connection with so-called dissident republican activity.
Police said a number of items were recovered after house searches in Londonderry and Strabane.
Seven of those arrested on Wednesday are understood to be from Strabane and one from Derry. All were arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They were taken to Antrim PSNI station's specialist facility for questioning.
(BMcC)
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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.
15 October 2007
Loyalist Funding On Hold?
Continued loyalist violence remains a major stumbling block for Assembly Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She is to brief colleagues at Stormont soon on whether or not she will withdraw more than £1m of funding for a loyalist project, as was threatened in the absence of Ulster Defence Association (UDA) decommissioning.
Loyalist Funding On Hold?
Continued loyalist violence remains a major stumbling block for Assembly Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie. She is to brief colleagues at Stormont soon on whether or not she will withdraw more than £1m of funding for a loyalist project, as was threatened in the absence of Ulster Defence Association (UDA) decommissioning.
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