Loyalists reject mediation in Adair dispute

Loyalist sources have rejected the possibility of mediation to resolve a potentially lethal feud following the expulsion of Johnny Adair from the Ulster Defence Association this week.

Adair was kicked out of the paramilitary organisation on Wednesday for allegedly siding with the Loyalist Volunteer Force in a dispute between the two groups.

The move sparked anger from many of the UDA brigades, who said they do not support the leadership’s decision.

The Red Hand Defenders, a cover name for the LVF and Adair’s west Belfast brigade, also issued death threats against three other UDA commanders yesterday unless they resign their positions due to Wednesday’s expulsion.

Every available police officer in Belfast has now been deployed to surveillance and patrol duties in an effort to prevent a bloody feud between the two sides in the dispute.

Efforts have also been made to establish a process of mediation to avoid violence, but the UDA has rejected the move, saying the organisation can sort out the row without outside help.

Some UDA sources have accused Johnny Adair, the commander of the UDA’s notorious 'C' Company on the Shankill Road in west Belfast, of treachery.

However, Adair’s supporters have accused the other commanders of the same charge and both sides are currently rallying support before a seemingly inevitable confrontation.