Unionists divided as British deny plan to scrap Royal Irish

THE British government yesterday denied any decision had been taken to scrap the Royal Irish Regiment.

As bitter divisions within David Trimble’s Ulster Unionists over the disbandment threats were exposed, Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy dismissed the claims.

“There is no decision to disband the Royal Irish Regiment for the foreseeable future. We will continue to need their services. They perform those services extraordinarily well. They are highly regarded for the work they do,” she said.