It sounds as though the UVF have been given the green light regarding “putting its arms beyond use” by the IIRC… Just the UDA (though some of them are saying it will happen in February), INLA, Real IRA, Continuity IRA, Óglaigh na hÉireann to go then… It’s tempting to say don’t hold your breathe, but when we interviewed David Ervine back in March 2003, it was something he could not even foresee, never mind encourage to take place… It’s a strange place we’ve got to… Maybe stranger (and better?) things are yet to happen… If the UDA do leave the field that will leave only dissident Republicans groups left on their own…
Mick is founding editor of Slugger. He has written papers on the impacts of the Internet on politics and the wider media and is a regular guest and speaking events across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Twitter: @MickFealty