Reid meets churchmen over loyalist violence

Northern Secretary John Reid has confirmed that he has held talks with Protestant church leaders in an effort to halt sectarian loyalist violence.

Dr Reid said he has met with representatives of the Loyalist Commission, which includes Protestant church and community leaders, members of the Ulster Unionist Party and loyalist paramilitaries.

A spokesman said Dr Reid did not meet any paramilitaries, but his talks with church leaders were designed to seek an end to loyalist violence.

The Loyalist Commission was established last year to ease tensions among feuding loyalist groups.