Northern Minister Threatens "No Funding Without UDA Decomissioning"

If they did not, she said, the funding provided to the Conflict Transformation Initiative (CTI) project involving the Ulster Political Research Group would likely end.

The Minister explained that in light of the recent UDA-linked violence at Carrickfergus and Kilcooley she was not prepared to continue supporting the project in the absence of any clear evidence of decommissioning and reducing criminality.

She said: "I abhor paramilitarism of whatever hue. It and the violence, intimidation and criminality which it almost invariably spawns have no place in a peaceful modern society.

"There is no excuse now for paramilitarism. It is time for all those who subject their communities to thuggery, extortion and violence under the pretence of defending them to get off the stage."

The Minister reiterated her concerns about the CTI project, which was given funding under Direct Rule. She said, however, that she recognised that some good work had been achieved so far, and emphasised that the current situation in no way reflects the efforts of the Farset organisation in managing the project.

The Minister continued: "The project is predicated on the expectation that the UDA would move away from violence and, frankly, get off the backs of the communities where it is based. Helping those communities to begin to flourish again and promoting their interests is, and will remain, my priority in dealing with this matter.

"The actions of recent days are a clear breach of the basis on which funding was awarded and I have seriously considered withdrawing the funding immediately. I have based my decision on what will offer the best future for these communities.

"I have decided therefore that the funding for the CTI project will cease unless there is clear evidence that the UDA means what it says.

"The funding will end 60 days from now unless there is clear and demonstrable evidence that the UDA has engaged meaningfully with the Independent Internnational Commission on Decommissioning and has started to decommission its weapons.

"I will also want to see evidence that the UDA has moved irreversibly away from criminality and violence to positive and lawful community transformation."

If the required evidence and commitment are forthcoming the funding for the project will remain in place as long as progress towards decommissioning and reducing violence and criminality is sustained.

Ms Ritchie concluded: "I agree with the Chief Constable, we are not getting payback for the commitment we have shown.

"It is not on to say that decommissioning is not on the agenda. Decommissioning weapons, ending criminality and stopping extortion are the agenda. Delivering peace and stability to all our community is the priority.

"As DSD Minister I am committed to making a difference to the lives and life chances of the most disadvantaged in our community. The UDA has an opportunity to contribute to that process. I know that I speak for all when I urge them to take that opportunity and provide for a totally peaceful future."