Mediators are reportedly in talks with South East Antrim UDA about ending paramilitarism. The loyalist group, which is known for its involvement in organised crime, has been accused of the murder of Glenn Quinn in Carrickfergus in 2020. Quinn’s brother, Martin, welcomed the move but insisted that the group must allow witnesses to come forward. The talks are described as “highly sensitive” but are viewed as a significant step towards a transition away from paramilitarism among loyalist groups.
The South East Antrim UDA talks come after senior members of the notorious east Belfast faction of the UVF were stood down in November. This move was said to be due to the group’s continued involvement in organised crime. However, Stormont’s justice minister, Naomi Long, is sceptical of claims that this marks progress towards ending paramilitarism. Long instead sees it as the UVF in East Belfast falling out of favour with the wider organisation.
The Independent Reporting Commission has called for the appointment of an interlocutor between government and paramilitary groups to try to end paramilitarism. Professor Marie Breen-Smyth supports the idea and believes there are “people from the old guard in the paramilitaries who want to put clear blue water between themselves and organised crime”. Breen-Smyth sees these people as those who should be facilitated to leave the field with dignity. The justice minister does not believe an interlocutor is a worthwhile addition to current policy, and she is concerned that the policy could give undeserved credibility to the groups.
The news of the talks comes thirty years after the ceasefires, appearing to mark a potential turning point in the efforts to end paramilitarism among loyalist groups. Martin Quinn has said that whilst the community would welcome an end to organised crime, the group cannot be allowed to walk away from its past actions. The full details of the talks are unclear, and it remains to be seen whether the talks will pave the way for other groups to follow suit
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