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.