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26/09/2002
Adair dismisses UDA expulsion statement
Leading loyalist Johnny Adair has dismissed a decision by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) saying he is to be expelled from the organisation.
Adair, who is head of one of the UDA's six 'brigades', was informed of the decision following meeting of the ruling council in east Belfast on Wednesday night.
However, John White of the Ulster Political Research Group – and close associate of Johnny Adair – said there had been no representation from the west Belfast brigade at the meeting and rebuffed suggestions of a critical split in the organisation.
It is believed the UDA leadership came to their decision following growing rumours that Adair was involved in forging links with the rival Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF). And speculation grew when a joint UDA-LVF mural was raised on the lower Shankill Road on Wednesday night – an area under Adair's control. However, Mr White scotched any rumours linking Adair to the LVF.
Tensions between the UDA and LVF have got steadily worse in recent days after the murder of senior LVF member Stephen Warnock and the subsequent reprisal attack on east Belfast UDA commander Jim Gray. Adair's appearance at Mr Warnock's funeral was said to have further inflamed tensions between the organisations.
It is also widely believed that the UDA-LVF face-off is rooted in an internal dispute within loyalism for control of the illegal drugs market.
Adair, who headed the UFF, was released from prison on September 1999 having served five years of a 16 year sentence for directing terrorism. He has been warned by the NIO that he is still considered to be on licence and could be summarily returned to prison up to the summer of 2005 if viewed as a threat to the peace.
Last year Secretary of State Dr John Reid declared both the UDA and LVF to be in breach of their ceasefires.
(MB)
Adair, who is head of one of the UDA's six 'brigades', was informed of the decision following meeting of the ruling council in east Belfast on Wednesday night.
However, John White of the Ulster Political Research Group – and close associate of Johnny Adair – said there had been no representation from the west Belfast brigade at the meeting and rebuffed suggestions of a critical split in the organisation.
It is believed the UDA leadership came to their decision following growing rumours that Adair was involved in forging links with the rival Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF). And speculation grew when a joint UDA-LVF mural was raised on the lower Shankill Road on Wednesday night – an area under Adair's control. However, Mr White scotched any rumours linking Adair to the LVF.
Tensions between the UDA and LVF have got steadily worse in recent days after the murder of senior LVF member Stephen Warnock and the subsequent reprisal attack on east Belfast UDA commander Jim Gray. Adair's appearance at Mr Warnock's funeral was said to have further inflamed tensions between the organisations.
It is also widely believed that the UDA-LVF face-off is rooted in an internal dispute within loyalism for control of the illegal drugs market.
Adair, who headed the UFF, was released from prison on September 1999 having served five years of a 16 year sentence for directing terrorism. He has been warned by the NIO that he is still considered to be on licence and could be summarily returned to prison up to the summer of 2005 if viewed as a threat to the peace.
Last year Secretary of State Dr John Reid declared both the UDA and LVF to be in breach of their ceasefires.
(MB)
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Adair granted leave for review of jail decision
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair’s legal bid to overturn an order by the Secretary of State sending him back to prison passed its first hurdle in the Belfast High Court today. After hearing legal argument, Mr Justice Kerr ruled that Adair could apply for a judicial review of Mr Murphy's decision.
18 February 2003
Adair's legal challenge over jail decision fails
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair has failed in his bid to reverse the Secretary of State's decision to send him back to jail. At the High Court in Belfast today, Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell, denied Adair leave to seek a judicial review of Paul Murphy's decision – which he described as "fair".
Adair's legal challenge over jail decision fails
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair has failed in his bid to reverse the Secretary of State's decision to send him back to jail. At the High Court in Belfast today, Lord Chief Justice Sir Robert Carswell, denied Adair leave to seek a judicial review of Paul Murphy's decision – which he described as "fair".
27 September 2002
Mediation talks likely in effort to defuse loyalist feud
Reports are circulating that mediation moves are being made to quell any further outbreak of violence between rival loyalist gangs following the dismissal of Johnny Adair from the UDA. At present it is uncertain whether the Loyalist Commission – which was set-up as a forum for loyalists to air their grievances – is involved in these talks.
Mediation talks likely in effort to defuse loyalist feud
Reports are circulating that mediation moves are being made to quell any further outbreak of violence between rival loyalist gangs following the dismissal of Johnny Adair from the UDA. At present it is uncertain whether the Loyalist Commission – which was set-up as a forum for loyalists to air their grievances – is involved in these talks.
23 April 2010
McAleese Offers Hope, Despite Bomb
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McAleese Offers Hope, Despite Bomb
The Irish leader has been giving her vision of the future of Ireland. Despite an overnight dissident bomb attack on a border police station, President Mary McAleese delivered the fourth annual Chancellor's Lecture at the University of Ulster and looked ahead positively to the future.
14 January 2003
Adair’s legal challenge delayed
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair’s legal bid to overturn an order by the Secretary of State to send him back to prison has been delayed at the High Court in Belfast today. Adair’s lawyer, Frank O’Donoghue QC said a preliminary issue had to be dealt with and he applied for the adjournment of Adair’s application for a writ of Habeas Corpus.
Adair’s legal challenge delayed
Notorious loyalist Johnny Adair’s legal bid to overturn an order by the Secretary of State to send him back to prison has been delayed at the High Court in Belfast today. Adair’s lawyer, Frank O’Donoghue QC said a preliminary issue had to be dealt with and he applied for the adjournment of Adair’s application for a writ of Habeas Corpus.
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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.
