Violent activities compromise community development

IN allocating a huge sum of money to loyalist communities on the grounds that it would be used to enhance collective community development, Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain was recognising the seriousness of the problem of low morale and self-esteem in those communities.

He also indicated a hope that this would lead paramilitaries to become more involved in social activity, leading to the betterment of community life.

It is therefore a disgrace that the opportunity such grant aid could provide has been compromised by the violent activities of members of loyalist paramilitary organisations.