Majority UDA members in Ballymoney opposed to decommissioning
THE vast majority of UDA members in the Ballymoney area are vigorously opposed to decommissioning, a source has told the Times.
Contradictory reports have been circulating in the media in recent weeks with some suggesting that North Antrim and Londonderry members will follow the lead set by Belfast and put weapons out of use, while others report a rift with the stance adopted by loyalists in Belfast.
The North Antrim and Londonderry Ulster Political Research Group‘s refusal to engage in any further discussions with mainstream politicians as well as the PSNI, reflects the mood of the majority of UDA members, the source said.
“The potentially volatile situation in the likes of Rasharkin, the Fountain in Londonderry and other areas as well as the threat from Dissidents makes us more determined to hold on to what we have got.
“There is a strong view that loyalism has been sold out. We were created to defend our country and that’s the way it will stay at the present time,” the source said.
Many members of the UDA view the position taken by their Belfast colleagues, who subscribed to decommissioning in June, as in direct opposition to the majority thinking locally.
They feel they have been let down by unionism as well as the security forces and are urging that a number of issues are addressed.
“North Antrim and Londonderry may share the same ideology as elsewhere, but we are a long way of giving our full support to the Institutions.
“That day is a long way off,” he said.
However, according to another view on the decommissioning issue, while there is disillusionment with the current political structures amongst many loyalists, the presence of Sinn Fein in Government is a reality.
“We may be opposed to Sinn Fein taking up their seats at Stormont, but it is a fact that they are there and are there to stay.”
