UDA Halts McGuinness Talks

Loyalist paramilitaries cancelled historic talks with Martin McGuiness yesterday, after details of the meeting were leaked to the media.

According to reports in the Belfast Telegraph, a four-man delegation from the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) was due to meet the Sinn Féin Deputy First Minister at his Stormont offices.

However, the newspaper has claimed the group, which included 'brigadier' Jackie McDonald, (pictured) were angry when their plans became public.

Members of the UDA's so-called 'inner council' had just returned to the province following two days of talks in Brussels.

It is believed the meeting with Mr McGuinness was regarding progress on the paramilitary group's commitment to decommissioning.

Senior members have already met with Independent Monitoring Commission chair John de Chastelain and DUP First Minister Peter Robinson in a series of background talks.

Yesterday the UDA reportedly told Mr McGuinness's office: "We want to do a meeting, but we don't want to do it now."

The local press had flocked to Stormont Castle unaware the loyalist leadership had pulled out at the last minute.

Reports have pointed to a fall-out over 'egos' within the paramilitary group, which subsequently halted the decision to meet with senior Sinn Féin representatives.

However, a loyalist source told the Belfast Telegraph they are "very confident" discussions will take place at a later date.

(PR/BMcC)