Loyalist McDonald Speaks At West Forum

Former UDA chief Jackie McDonald has claimed Unionist politicians in Northern Ireland "don't know how to deal with loyalists".

He also expressed "every sympathy" with the family of slain Coleraine man Kevin McDaid, who was beaten to death by a loyalist mob in May.

Speaking at last night's 'West Belfast Youth Talks Back' event, Mr McDonald (pictured) described current loyalism as being in "no man's land".

Taking questions from the floor, the panel, which included republican Sean Murray, PSNI Chief Superintendent Mark Hamilton and Belfast Lord Mayor Naomi Long, McDonald talked on issues such as the McDaid murder, plastic bullets, policing, contentious marches, racism and sectarianism.

Mr McDonald acknowledged that killing Catholic community worker Mr McDaid "did nothing for loyalism".

However, reported splits within the UDA were not brought up, nor was the north west branch of the Ulster Political Research Group's withdrawal of support for policing.

On the issue of contentious parades, Mr McDonald accused Sinn Fein of having "a lot to do with orchestrating and organising people into being annoyed".

Although the former 'brigadier' conceded republicans had been more forthcoming in offering the "hand of friendship" to loyalists than Unionist representatives.

"Republicans have extended the hand of friendship more than the Unionist parties," he said.

"Unionists don’t know what to do with us. They don’t know whether we’re an asset or a problem. People are afraid to make us respectable."

He called on Unionists to become "more involved with loyalist working class people".

"The days of arriving on the doorsteps three weeks before an election are over."

Mr McDonald has urged loyalists to register their vote, and ensure they go to the ballot box.

(PR/KMcA)