Daily Dispatch Wednesday 3rd May 2006

UDR REVELATIONS SHOW EXTENT OF COLLUSION

SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness MLA has said that further revelations about the extent of security force collusion with loyalist paramilitaries in today’s Irish News leave many questions to be answered. Speaking today Mr Maginness stated:
“The further revelations contained in today’s Irish News that loyalist paramilitaries were actively supported and helped by elements in the UDR fully backs up what many people have known for years. It is also clear that this was known at the highest levels of the British Government. Yet nothing was done to stop it. Indeed the full extent of the collusion was denied to politicians and withheld from the public. This was not just a failure to disclose information. It was a failure to save peoples lives. It is also clear that a succession of British Governments were aware of the violent intent and loyalist paramilitary connections of many people in the employ of the British Army. The truth these matters must come out. Not just for the victim’s families but for the wider public also. The home regiments of the RIR - which took over from the UDR - are now being disbanded. Today’s revelations show that this is long overdue - and should have happened decades ago.”

MAGINNESS COMMENTS ON NORTH BELFAST BODY FIND

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness has commented on the discovery of a body in the Cavehill Country Park today. Another person remains seriously ill in hospital in a related development.
Mr Maginness stated:
“This is a shocking and disturbing discovery. One person has died and another remains critically ill in hospital. While information on what exactly happened is still vague we should all hope that the person who remains in hospital pulls through. That person’s recovery may hold the key to uncovering what exactly happened. While the police continue to investigate the circumstances around the incident it is imperative that anyone who may have any information that may be of help should contact the PSNI as soon as possible.”

Return to Communications Page