Abandon Criminality, Cardinal To Tell Loyalists

The head of the Catholic church in Ireland has urged loyalist paramilitaries to 'liberate' society from criminality and drug dealing.

Speaking ahead of talks with the political wing of the UDA later this week, Cardinal Sean Brady called on loyalists to turn in their weapons, and remove the "fear of loyalist retaliation once and for all".

A spokesman for the Cardinal said he would ask the Ulster Political Research Group delegation to use its sway to ensure factions "reject violence once and for all".

Father Tim Bartlett, who has been instrumental in establishing the meeting, said Cardinal Brady would ask the delegation to use "whatever influence you have to build on the immense progress of recent years".

"Liberate us all from that fear and work with everybody else to free our whole society from criminality, from drugs, from alcohol abuse, and improve our social conditions together," he said.

UPRG spokesman Frankie Gallagher said: "In terms of weaponry, we can give reassurance to the cardinal that it is being managed by the UDA.

"We need people to have a little patience but I think this year will be good for the whole society of Northern Ireland.

"I can go as far as to say the UPRG is working towards creating an environment where political violence is no longer a viable option and weapons are a thing of the past."

Talks are due to be held at Cardinal Brady's private resident in Armagh.

(PR/KMcA)