Tory MP has ‘useful’ meeting with paramilitary grouping

Conservative Party Northern Ireland spokesman Quentin Davies today held talks with loyalist paramilitary representatives as part of new moves to secure decommissioning.

Mr Davies met members of the three main terror groupings involved in the so-called Loyalist Commission at a secret location in Belfast.

Afterwards, Mr Davies was giving little away about the discussions.

The Grantham and Stamford MP said: ‘‘This was a chance for me to be briefed on their views and strategies and have an exchange of opinion but I can’t go into the details of what we talked about.’’

However, sources close to the commission have confirmed that among the issues discussed was the possibility of securing loyalist decommissioning.

About 25 people were present for the two-and-a-half hour meeting, including representatives from the Ulster Defence Association, the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commando.

The body was set up last year in a bid to ease tensions within the various loyalist paramilitary organisations.

First Minister David Trimble has already sanctioned moves by members of his Ulster Unionist Party to become involved in the dialogue.

Today’s meeting was set up by a Presbyterian Church minister who acted as an intermediary.

Asked if he planned further talks, Mr Davies added: ‘‘I found it a useful meeting and I was not discouraged by the results.’’