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31/08/2001
UUP leader requests Chief Constable to attribute attacks
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble has asked the RUC Chief Constable to make known those groups responsible for recent terrorist attacks in Northern Ireland.
Mr Trimble said that police had been reluctant to identify particular paramilitary factions behind the spate of attacks carried out in recent weeks.
He said that at one point the Chief Constable had indicated that in the past year almost every paramilitary group had been involved in acts of violence.
“The impression I get, particularly of the UDA, is that there has been a general collapse and that is dissolving into a series of loosely linked armed gangs which are pursuing local agendas which may be as much to do with rackets as anything else.”
In advance of the UUP part officers meeting on Friday evening, and the Saturday meeting of the party conference, Mr Trimble also gave the first indication that his party may be prepared to consider making appointments to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
However, he refuted claims that the party was split on the issue and that nominations would be made to the new board when it was considered appropriate. He said that the UUP was a “law and order” party and would accept responsibility when the circumstances and the time were right.
The British Government expects that the main political parties will make their position know before the end of September.
So far only the nationalist SDLP have come forward to declare support and to sign up for the Police Board. (SP)
Mr Trimble said that police had been reluctant to identify particular paramilitary factions behind the spate of attacks carried out in recent weeks.
He said that at one point the Chief Constable had indicated that in the past year almost every paramilitary group had been involved in acts of violence.
“The impression I get, particularly of the UDA, is that there has been a general collapse and that is dissolving into a series of loosely linked armed gangs which are pursuing local agendas which may be as much to do with rackets as anything else.”
In advance of the UUP part officers meeting on Friday evening, and the Saturday meeting of the party conference, Mr Trimble also gave the first indication that his party may be prepared to consider making appointments to the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
However, he refuted claims that the party was split on the issue and that nominations would be made to the new board when it was considered appropriate. He said that the UUP was a “law and order” party and would accept responsibility when the circumstances and the time were right.
The British Government expects that the main political parties will make their position know before the end of September.
So far only the nationalist SDLP have come forward to declare support and to sign up for the Police Board. (SP)
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The Ulster Unionist Party's three rebel MP's are set to retake the party whip next week. Jeffrey Donaldson, David Burnside and the Rev Martin Smyth are said to have discussed the matter privately at a special meeting.
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Trimble lays down gauntlet at Conservative conference
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Trimble lays down gauntlet at Conservative conference
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07 August 2001
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
UUP dismiss IICD report and peace blueprint
Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble’s response to the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) report has been to again reiterate that the IRA must put its arms beyond use and must decommission its weapons.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
