UVF stand down - Guns should be put beyond use

CLOUDS of uncertainty surround the decision by one of the main loyalist paramilitary groups, the Ulster Volunteer Force, to stand down its military role.

From now on, the private army will play a non-military, civilianised part in the North’s affairs.

However, while this initiative is to be welcomed, it is worrying that the UVF has not gone the extra mile.