Menu
30/09/2003
DUP attacks plans to 'phase out' RIR
DUP Councillor, Sammy Wilson has attacked an alleged leaked document which says that the home service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment are to be scrapped.
Mr Wilson claimed his party has seen Government documents which showed that the home service battalions will be disbanded in three phases between 2005 and 2008.
He said: "We oppose outright the destruction of the Royal Irish Regiment. We cannot see the necessity of disbanding the RIR when it is anticipated that a permanent army presence will be required in Northern Ireland.
"The Royal Irish Regiment could make up half of any permanent army presence here and would have the benefits of continuity, local knowledge and expertise, flexibility and would be more cost effective."
However, the SDLP's Justice spokesperson, Alban Maginness said reports of the RIR disbandment was "news to nobody".
He added: "The writing is on the wall for the RIR. The Good Friday Agreement commits the British Government to normal security arrangements.
"It is not normal to have armed military patrols drawn almost exclusively from one side of the community. Nowhere else is there a regiment which is recruited and serves locally."
(MB)
Mr Wilson claimed his party has seen Government documents which showed that the home service battalions will be disbanded in three phases between 2005 and 2008.
He said: "We oppose outright the destruction of the Royal Irish Regiment. We cannot see the necessity of disbanding the RIR when it is anticipated that a permanent army presence will be required in Northern Ireland.
"The Royal Irish Regiment could make up half of any permanent army presence here and would have the benefits of continuity, local knowledge and expertise, flexibility and would be more cost effective."
However, the SDLP's Justice spokesperson, Alban Maginness said reports of the RIR disbandment was "news to nobody".
He added: "The writing is on the wall for the RIR. The Good Friday Agreement commits the British Government to normal security arrangements.
"It is not normal to have armed military patrols drawn almost exclusively from one side of the community. Nowhere else is there a regiment which is recruited and serves locally."
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 May 2011
Army Confirms 'No RIR Belfast Parade'
The Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) will mark their return from Afghanistan with three parades in Northern Ireland - but is failing to take-up an invitation from Belfast City Council to march in the city's streets.
Army Confirms 'No RIR Belfast Parade'
The Royal Irish Regiment (RIR) will mark their return from Afghanistan with three parades in Northern Ireland - but is failing to take-up an invitation from Belfast City Council to march in the city's streets.
10 March 2006
Special honour announced for former UDR and RIR members
Defence Minister Adam Ingram has today announced that the service of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment is to be formally recognised. The announcement came during Mr Ingram's visit to Drumaad Barracks in Armagh, where he met with RIR soldiers affected by the disbandment of the home service units.
Special honour announced for former UDR and RIR members
Defence Minister Adam Ingram has today announced that the service of the UDR and Royal Irish Regiment is to be formally recognised. The announcement came during Mr Ingram's visit to Drumaad Barracks in Armagh, where he met with RIR soldiers affected by the disbandment of the home service units.
27 July 2006
RIR soldiers to be sent to Afghanistan
Around 60 Royal Irish Regiment soldiers are to be sent to Afghanistan as part of military reinforcements tasked to the region. The soldiers, who are all from the RIR's first battalion, are to travel to the Helmand province where they will serve with the Parachute Regiment, as part of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
RIR soldiers to be sent to Afghanistan
Around 60 Royal Irish Regiment soldiers are to be sent to Afghanistan as part of military reinforcements tasked to the region. The soldiers, who are all from the RIR's first battalion, are to travel to the Helmand province where they will serve with the Parachute Regiment, as part of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.
29 May 2003
Trimble calls for meeting with PM over RIR future
Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble was seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister today over fears for the future of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR). Mr Trimble has already warned the Government that he would "not lift a finger" on the Joint Declaration between the British and Irish Governements until the regiment's future was safeguarded.
Trimble calls for meeting with PM over RIR future
Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble was seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister today over fears for the future of the Royal Irish Regiment (RIR). Mr Trimble has already warned the Government that he would "not lift a finger" on the Joint Declaration between the British and Irish Governements until the regiment's future was safeguarded.
12 April 2010
Royal Irish Honoured In Bangor
Soldiers from NI who are again preparing for front-line action have been on the march in Bangor.
Royal Irish Honoured In Bangor
Soldiers from NI who are again preparing for front-line action have been on the march in Bangor.
-
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.
