Alliance tells Ritchie to act quickly and stop UDA funding now

12.40.29pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 4th Jun 2007

Newtownabbey Alliance Councillor Tom Campbell

Alliance Spokesperson Cllr Tom Campbell has demanded that Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie stop public funding going to the UDA now, instead of merely threatening to stop the funding if they do not decommission soon. He stated that Margaret Ritchie's comments send out a negative message that it is acceptable for the government to fund paramilitary-linked projects.

The Newtownabbey Councillor said: Margaret Ritchie should not just be threatening to take away this funding, she should actually be stopping it altogether as soon as possible.

"Public policy has always been based on notion that criminals or terrorists must never succeed in gaining funding from the state.

"This funding sends out the wrong signals. Why should those with paramilitary links be given funding from the state. It is totally unacceptable.

"Only yesterday, we heard allegations of intimidation caused by elements within the UDA in South East Antrim. These allegations make the fact that this funding has not yet been stopped even more disgraceful

"What needs to happen for government to stop this funding? The Minister must end this funding and attempt to claw back any cash already awarded to this group as a matter of urgency."

ENDS