UDA decommissioning speculation mounts
OPTIMISM surrounding further decommissioning by loyalist paramilitaries over the Christmas period is growing according to the British Governments chief representative in the Province.
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Shaun Woodward conveyed his belief the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) would destroy further weapons having begun the process earlier this year. The other main loyalist grouping the Ulster Volunteer Force completed the destruction of their weapons cache in June.
Mr Woodward made his announcement after meeting with Irish Foreign Minister Michael Martin.
It has also emerged this morning that senior UDA figures, including Jackie McDonald, will meet soon with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. Sources have said that a ‘heavyweight’ loyalist delegation will meet with Mr McGuinness to discuss decommissioning.
It is thought possible stumbling blocks to the completion of the destruction of UDA weapons are loyalist concerns over the upsurge in dissident republican activity and the long term stability of the political institutions at Stormont.
Earlier this week Mr McGuinness and First Minister, Peter Robinson, clashed publicly at a North South Ministerial Council meeting held at Limavady in County Londonderry over ‘differences’ with regard to the continuing hiatus over the devolution of policing and justice powers to Northern Ireland.
