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26/01/2004
Loyalist representative group to meet Ahern
A group with links to the Ulster Defence Association is to meet with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern this evening to discuss loyalist concerns over aspects of the peace process.
It is understood that among the items on the "open" agenda of the talks between the Irish Prime Minister and members of the Ulster Political Research Group are the UDA ceasefire, loyalist prisoners and an input from loyalist leaders into the review of the Good Friday Agreement.
Representative of the group are due to meet Northern Ireland Secretary of State early next month.
Following a meeting with the group on Thursday January 22, NIO Security Minister Jane Kennedy declared that efforts towards political development in loyalist areas were "seriously undermined" by paramilitary activities.
Ms Kennedy said: "The Government has always said that we will work with those who want to engage in democratic politics. I recognise the constructive approach of the UPRG and acknowledge their contribution towards ensuring that Northern Ireland had the most peaceful summer for many years. I and other Ministers are listening to them. But they must recognise that tackling the many social and economic problems that grip loyalist working class areas cannot be done effectively against a background of widespread and continuing paramilitary activity".
The Minister told the UPRG that attacks on prison officers' homes, hoax bombs at schools and elsewhere in the city and involvement in drugs and organised crime were totally unacceptable.
On the situation in Maghaberry Prison, the Minister said: "We are working hard with the prison service and prison officers to develop a safe regime for prisoners and prison officers. But a prison run by prisoners - as the Maze was - is safe for no one and that is not going to happen".
On demands that the Government recognise that the UDA is on ceasefire, Ms Kennedy said: "We need actions not words. Pipe bombs and politics are not compatible".
Sinn Féin said it is to organise a rally in protest at the meeting tonight between the UPRG and the Taoiseach.
(SP)
It is understood that among the items on the "open" agenda of the talks between the Irish Prime Minister and members of the Ulster Political Research Group are the UDA ceasefire, loyalist prisoners and an input from loyalist leaders into the review of the Good Friday Agreement.
Representative of the group are due to meet Northern Ireland Secretary of State early next month.
Following a meeting with the group on Thursday January 22, NIO Security Minister Jane Kennedy declared that efforts towards political development in loyalist areas were "seriously undermined" by paramilitary activities.
Ms Kennedy said: "The Government has always said that we will work with those who want to engage in democratic politics. I recognise the constructive approach of the UPRG and acknowledge their contribution towards ensuring that Northern Ireland had the most peaceful summer for many years. I and other Ministers are listening to them. But they must recognise that tackling the many social and economic problems that grip loyalist working class areas cannot be done effectively against a background of widespread and continuing paramilitary activity".
The Minister told the UPRG that attacks on prison officers' homes, hoax bombs at schools and elsewhere in the city and involvement in drugs and organised crime were totally unacceptable.
On the situation in Maghaberry Prison, the Minister said: "We are working hard with the prison service and prison officers to develop a safe regime for prisoners and prison officers. But a prison run by prisoners - as the Maze was - is safe for no one and that is not going to happen".
On demands that the Government recognise that the UDA is on ceasefire, Ms Kennedy said: "We need actions not words. Pipe bombs and politics are not compatible".
Sinn Féin said it is to organise a rally in protest at the meeting tonight between the UPRG and the Taoiseach.
(SP)
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26 February 2004
Bomb defused at north Belfast pub
Army bomb experts have carried out a controlled explosion on a pub in north Belfast. The device was found at the pub in York Road at around 2.30am on Thursday. The pub is just 20 yards from the offices of a loyalist prisoners' welfare group. A number of items were taken away for examination and area was cordoned off for a time.
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Army bomb experts have carried out a controlled explosion on a pub in north Belfast. The device was found at the pub in York Road at around 2.30am on Thursday. The pub is just 20 yards from the offices of a loyalist prisoners' welfare group. A number of items were taken away for examination and area was cordoned off for a time.
09 November 2005
Regeneration in hands of local people says Hanson
Real progress is being made by local people to improve life in the mainly loyalist Tullycarnet estate, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today during a visit to the East Belfast area. Mr Hanson made the visit following the recent establishment of a high level 'Delivery Team' to address the needs of disadvantaged loyalist communities.
Regeneration in hands of local people says Hanson
Real progress is being made by local people to improve life in the mainly loyalist Tullycarnet estate, Social Development Minister David Hanson said today during a visit to the East Belfast area. Mr Hanson made the visit following the recent establishment of a high level 'Delivery Team' to address the needs of disadvantaged loyalist communities.
23 July 2003
Police raid suspected Derry brothels
Two suspected brothels have been raided by undercover police in Londonderry. Officers forced their way into the houses in Cuthbert Street and Florence Street in the Waterside area of the city on Tuesday night. The planned operation resulted in the arrests of three women, with a further two women voluntarily going to police.
Police raid suspected Derry brothels
Two suspected brothels have been raided by undercover police in Londonderry. Officers forced their way into the houses in Cuthbert Street and Florence Street in the Waterside area of the city on Tuesday night. The planned operation resulted in the arrests of three women, with a further two women voluntarily going to police.
25 October 2005
Ex-prisoners role in society being hindered by criminalisation
Former loyalist and republican prisoners feel they have a role to play in the transition of Northern Ireland to a normal society, but that their efforts have been undermined by the existence of criminalisation.
Ex-prisoners role in society being hindered by criminalisation
Former loyalist and republican prisoners feel they have a role to play in the transition of Northern Ireland to a normal society, but that their efforts have been undermined by the existence of criminalisation.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
