The Secretary of State for Wales, etc, Peter Hain, may well be on his way out – almost certainly from at least one of his current jobs – but he’s just announced a review of the status of specified and other paramilitary organisations – outcome expected in the autumn after an October IMC report. He’s specifically mentioned the UVF.. but I suspect the ‘good’, and ‘not so good’, UDA will also be paying attention.. as well as a few others. [That lid still on? – Ed]From the NIO statement
Notes to Editors:
1. Section 8 of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 states that the Secretary of State shall specify any organisation which he believes is concerned in terrorism connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland, or in promoting or encouraging it, and has not established or is maintaining a complete and unequivocal ceasefire. Section 10 requires the Secretary of State to review the list of specified organisations from time to time.
2. Organisations currently specified are:
The Continuity Irish Republican Army
The Loyalist Volunteer Force
The Orange Volunteers
The Real Irish Republican Army
The Red Hand Defenders
The Ulster Volunteer Force/Red Hand Commandos