SDLP emerge from "tough" meeting with RUC chief

The SDLP has had what it called a "tough" meeting with the RUC Chief Constable, Ronnie Flanagan, this afternoon over loyalist attacks in the North.

The delegation was anxious to ascertain his view of the status of the UDA ceasefire which many in the North now believe is effectively over.

After the meeting, Alex Atwood, the party vice-chairman, said it had been the toughest and firmest meeting for a long time.

He said it was clear that more than mere elements of the UDA are behind the violence and that key personnel in that group were directly involved.

The RUC are failing to intervene adequately, he said, and although there was evidence of nationalist retaliation, the overwhelming balance of evidence was that loyalists were behind the upsurge in sectarian attacks.

Mr Atwood also called for the fast-tracking of new peace walls to protect vulnerable Catholic communities.