Paramilitaries branded ‘parasites’ by Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister

Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) mural in support the of Ulster loyalist paramilitary group, on the wall of a property on the Lower Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

Paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland have been blasted as “parasites” by the region’s Justice Minister.

Naomi Long challenged groups to “show their bona fides” and move away from violence, instead of “riding two horses” by talking about withdrawal but also “sabre rattling”.