Ceasefire declaration - Welcome signs loyalists on peaceful road

GIVEN the murderous record of loyalist paramilitaries, beleaguered people in vulnerable nationalist communities could be forgiven for taking a sceptical view of the latest ceasefire declaration.

On the face of it, the UDA announcement of an indefinite extension of its military activities is encouraging, even though it echoes a similar pledge 12 months ago to continue its “military inactivity.”

But according to the police, the organisation remains steeped in murder, punishment beatings, drug-dealing and extortion. Nonetheless, there are welcome signs that militant loyalists are increasingly aware of the opportunity to change the landscape of Northern politics.

Hence, the recent meeting between the Ulster Research Group, the think-tank of militant loyalism, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, a door opened by President Mary McAleese. There should be no illusion about the lethal nature of the UDA, the UVF and Ulster Young Militants. They will not put aside their weapons just like that. No less than the Provisional IRA, they will strive to hold their reign of terror over the community.

Until the men of violence from both sides of the divide are seen to embrace peace, their ceasefire announcements will stretch the bounds of credibility to the limit. Whether this is the real thing, or merely a convenient cover for thugs waging paramilitary violence for personal gain is a question that only time will answer.