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15/05/2002
Johnny Adair released from prison
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, has been released from prison.
The prominent Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) chief walked free from Maghaberry prison on Wednesday morning to a crowd of around 100 supporters who cheered as he got into a vehicle and drove away.
Adair, 38, from the Shankill Road in west Belfast, was sentenced in 1996 to 16 years imprisonment for directing terrorism by the UFF.
He was freed under licence in September 1999, under the early release scheme which was part of the Good Friday Agreement peace accord. However this was revoked by the then Secretary of State Peter Mandelson who returned Johnny Adair to prison after police intelligence indicated that he was involved in heightening tensions during a violent loyalist feud in August 2000.
One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, has insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
However, Mr Adair’s release comes as violent sectarian rioting in north Belfast continues to break out on an almost nightly basis, with police trying to keep rival factions apart.
SDLP representative for north Belfast Martin Morgan has spoken out about Mr Adair’s release.
“The release of Johnny Adair comes at a time when the communities in north Belfast are on tenterhooks.
“Johnny Adair now has two options. He can use his influence to lead the loyalist community even deeper into the abyss of violence. Alternatively he can use his influence to play a positive role and lead the loyalist community away from violence and encourage them to engage with others to solve the problems that exists or those that are perceived.”
(AMcE)
The prominent Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) chief walked free from Maghaberry prison on Wednesday morning to a crowd of around 100 supporters who cheered as he got into a vehicle and drove away.
Adair, 38, from the Shankill Road in west Belfast, was sentenced in 1996 to 16 years imprisonment for directing terrorism by the UFF.
He was freed under licence in September 1999, under the early release scheme which was part of the Good Friday Agreement peace accord. However this was revoked by the then Secretary of State Peter Mandelson who returned Johnny Adair to prison after police intelligence indicated that he was involved in heightening tensions during a violent loyalist feud in August 2000.
One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, has insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
However, Mr Adair’s release comes as violent sectarian rioting in north Belfast continues to break out on an almost nightly basis, with police trying to keep rival factions apart.
SDLP representative for north Belfast Martin Morgan has spoken out about Mr Adair’s release.
“The release of Johnny Adair comes at a time when the communities in north Belfast are on tenterhooks.
“Johnny Adair now has two options. He can use his influence to lead the loyalist community even deeper into the abyss of violence. Alternatively he can use his influence to play a positive role and lead the loyalist community away from violence and encourage them to engage with others to solve the problems that exists or those that are perceived.”
(AMcE)
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14 May 2002
Johnny Adair set to be released from jail
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, who is due to be freed from jail on Wednesday May 15, will be a force for good, it was claimed today. One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
Johnny Adair set to be released from jail
The loyalist paramilitary chief Johnny ‘mad dog’ Adair, who is due to be freed from jail on Wednesday May 15, will be a force for good, it was claimed today. One of Mr Adair’s closest associates John White, former chairman of the disbanded Ulster Democratic Party, insisted there was nothing to fear from his release.
11 March 2004
Gun attack on home of Adair's nephew
The north Belfast home of Johnny Adair's nephew Mark Adair has been hit by a number of gunshots. The attack occurred at around 7.30pm last night when five shots were fired at the property. Neither Mark Adair nor his partner were in the house at the time. It is believed that a loyalist faction may have been behind the incident.
Gun attack on home of Adair's nephew
The north Belfast home of Johnny Adair's nephew Mark Adair has been hit by a number of gunshots. The attack occurred at around 7.30pm last night when five shots were fired at the property. Neither Mark Adair nor his partner were in the house at the time. It is believed that a loyalist faction may have been behind the incident.
23 April 2010
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McAleese Offers Hope, Despite Bomb
The Irish leader has been giving her vision of the future of Ireland. Despite an overnight dissident bomb attack on a border police station, President Mary McAleese delivered the fourth annual Chancellor's Lecture at the University of Ulster and looked ahead positively to the future.
10 January 2005
Johnny Adair freed from jail
Former loyalist leader Johnny Adair has been released from prison and flown to England. Mr Adair was taken to RAF Aldergrove on Monday and flown by helicopter to Manchester despite not being due for release until Thursday.
Johnny Adair freed from jail
Former loyalist leader Johnny Adair has been released from prison and flown to England. Mr Adair was taken to RAF Aldergrove on Monday and flown by helicopter to Manchester despite not being due for release until Thursday.
24 February 2025
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
