Reid gives UDA a second chance

Northern Secretary John Reid has warned the UDA that if there is any more organised loyalist rioting in Belfast or any more pipe-bomb attacks on Catholic homes he will declare the group’s ceasefire void.

In a press conference this afternoon, Dr Reid said he was on the verge of declaring the ceasefire over when he received word that the UDA leadership had promised to halt its sectarian campaign against Catholics and nightly riots that have left 46 RUC officers injured over the last 48 hours.

Dr Reid said he will test the UDA on its actions and not on its words.

The Northern Secretary showed journalists the order declaring the UDA ceasefire void, but said he had decided not to sign it to give the UDA one last chance to prove its commitment to peace.

He said if there are any more riots or any more pipe-bombings tonight, he will outlaw the loyalist group immediately.

He also said he is keeping the loyalist ceasefire under permanent review.

If Dr Reid declares an end to the UDA truce, he has the power to re-arrest all UDA members who were freed from prison under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

Since the agreement was signed more than three years ago, two UDA leaders, Johnny Adair and Gary Smith, have been re-imprisoned for continuing their involvement in paramilitary violence.