UDA offer chance to move forward, says Murphy

Monday, 15 November 2004 12:00 AM

The Ulster Defence Association's (UDA) pledge to work towards an end to all paramilitary activity offers an "opportunity to move forward" in Northern Ireland, according to the Northern Ireland Secretary Paul Murphy.

Speaking in the Commons Mr Murphy told MPs that he had decided to officially recognise the UDA's ceasefire - to "despecify" them - following contact between the group and Government officials, and advice from Northern Ireland's Chief Constable.

Mr Murphy had taken the decision "cautiously and prudently considering the full consequences of my actions, and the effect on others, particularly victims."

He acknowledged the recent "negative comments" by the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) on the status of the various paramilitary ceasefires, but said: "It is clear, between the first and second relevant reports, that there has been a reduction in UDA activity."

Evidence available to him indicated that: "The UDA ceasefire is now holding and is genuine."

The Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) which speaks politically for the UDA first announced a suspension of military activity in February 2003, which was extended indefinitely in February of this year.

But, due to evidence of the UDA's continuing involvement in paramilitary activity, notably racketeering and the drugs trade, the Government did not recognise the ceasefire.

Speaking today though, Mr Murphy highlighted a number of "important undertakings" from the UDA, notably its commitment to work for a day where "there will no longer be a need" for the organisation, and confirmation of re-engagement with the decommissioning process.

Mr Murphy said that he believed the UDA should be "given the opportunity" to prove to the people of Northern Ireland that it can change, but stressed that it would continue to monitor the group very closely.

He told MPs: "... the Government has always made clear that it would judge paramilitary organisations by their deeds, not just their words alone. So I will be watching the actions of the UDA very carefully over the coming weeks to ensure that they live up to the commitments that they have made. The UDA remains a proscribed organisation and the police will pursue relentlessly any criminal activity undertaken by its members or those of any other group.

"I believe that yesterday's announcement by the UDA, together with political dialogue which is currently taking place with other interested parties, constitutes a significant step towards achieving this goal - a goal which unites every member of this House and every decent person in Northern Ireland."

A previous ceasefire by the UDA was declared over by the then Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid in October 2001, after the continuation of orchestrated attacks that followed the group's withdrawal from the Good Friday Agreement.

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