More loyalists turn against Adair

Ousted loyalist terror chief Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair was today further isolated after another paramilitary unit turned against him.

With security forces braced for a vicious new shooting war, the Ulster Defence Association’s north Belfast wing backed the organisation’s decision to expel Adair.

A statement issued by its leadership today declared: “The North Belfast Brigade of the UDA/UFF reiterate its loyalty, support and total commitment to the ruling Inner Council leadership.”

Adair, 39, was kicked out of the organisation for allegedly siding with its bitter foes in the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

Although four of the UDA’s five other so-called brigades backed the inner council’s decision to dismiss Adair, north Belfast commanders initially remained neutral.

With their brigadier remanded in jail on gun charges, they felt that taking sides would leave them dangerously exposed.

Adair’s men operate out of the Lower Shankill estate, a stronghold just a few streets from north Belfast.

But that decision was changed when rank and file members met last night.

The statement added: “Political instability, the ongoing threat from republicanism, unionist alienation and concerted efforts to undermine our cultural/traditional beliefs are matters which we believe take precedence over any other.

“The UDA Inner Council’s leadership and authority continues to represent the best interests of the Ulster Defence Association’s rank and file membership and as such, plays an essential pivotal role in monitoring and protecting the interests of the loyalist community.”

Sources said West Belfast commanders were infuriated by the decision to leave them standing alone.

One said: “The whole of north Belfast has been told our safety can’t be guaranteed in the bars or clubs of the Shankill.

“There’s death threats flying everywhere and we’re just waiting to see who strikes first. Then the whole thing will explode.”

Festering tensions among loyalist paramilitaries exploded last month when LVF man Stephen Warnock was shot dead in Newtownards, County Down.

Days later the UDA’s East Belfast leader Jim Gray survived a retaliation gun strike.

But the organisation’s leaders was incensed with Adair when he refused to back them in the deadly new dispute.

His close associate and mentor, John White, dismissed the latest blow to UDA unity.

He said: “North Belfast rank and file obviously didn’t want to split the organisation and they felt by withdrawing support from the inner council they would be doing that.”

Mr White, who was expelled by the UDA along with Adair, insisted they were not isolated.

“West Belfast has complete confidence in the support it has and its strategy for the future,” he added.

“It doesn’t matter if this is done alone or as part of a bigger organisation.”