Loyalist praised Haughey for stand against PIRA

A top loyalist leader heaped praise on Charles Haughey for his stand against the Provisional IRA.

Andy Tyrie, Ulster Defence Association chief, personally wrote to the Taoiseach in December 1980 to thank him for his efforts in saving the lives of “countless Ulstermen and women”.

Tyrie’s letter, on headed paper from the then legal UDA and held in State papers from 1980, said Haughey’s efforts to prevent arms smuggling across the border helped ensure Loyalist paramilitaries would not target the Republic.

“I am sure you realise that by seeking out and preventing the incessant flow of weapons and explosives into Ulster, you are effectively ensuring that Loyalist organisations will not seek vengeance in the Republic,” the UDA chief wrote.

Tyrie went on: “I have admired your determination and I note that your period in office is underlined by your attitude towards terrorism, and its defeat.”

The loyalist told Haughey he felt he had taken a more proactive role than any other taoisigh to thwart paramilitary activity.

“You have shown more willingness than any of your predecessors to protect innocent lives in the border areas, and this has not gone unnoticed,” he wrote.

“Although we are poles apart in many aspects, and my ultimate goal is an independent Ulster for all classes and creeds, it does not lessen the respect I have for you.

“Yours is a difficult job, and there are times when you feel that you stand alone, but you possess the strength of character typical of Ulster stock.”

Haughey’s mother and father Sarah and Sean were from Swatragh, Co Derry.

UDA leader Tyrie also headed an umbrella group of Loyalist paramilitaries, Ulster Army Council (UAC), set up in 1973.

It took the UDA, Orange Volunteers, Down Orange Welfare, Ulster Special Constabulary Association, Ulster Volunteer Service Corps, and Red Hand Commandos under one wing to create a Loyalist army of 20,000 men to take control of the North if needed.

It was replaced by the Ulster Loyalist Central Co-ordinating Committee after the Loyalist strike in 1974.