McAleese rejects ‘erosion of loyalist link’

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese has refuted suggestions her contacts with loyalist paramilitaries could turn sour.

The development of contacts with the UDA by President McAleese and her husband, Martin McAleese, are mooted as an important confidence-building exercise for the loyalist community.

But the UDA ceasefire is viewed with scepticism by the authorities and security forces in Northern Ireland as loyalists continue to be involved in punishment beatings and criminal activities.