UDA-Community Fund Discussed - Briefly - In Assembly

The UDA was on the agenda at today's NI Executive meeting as the hotly debated decision by the Minister for Social Development to cut funding to a community development scheme was again discussed.

The Stormont Executive examined whether or not it could give retrospective approval to her actions. But, it is understood no decision was taken at the meeting, and the ministers now plan to revisit the issue.

Executive Minister for Social Development, Margaret Ritchie is facing a possible court case involving the now cash-less, UDA-linked Conflict Transformation Initiative.

Her decision to cut funds – after the loyalist paramilitary group snubbed a call to decommission weapons - is likely to be challenged in the courts.

This has refocused attention on the issue which caused serious tensions in the executive last year.

Ministers were originally expected to use today's special meeting to review papers ahead of the court hearing, but this hasn't taken place either.

Ms Ritchie infuriated Finance Minister Peter Robinson last year when she announced she intended to cut the funding.

Mr Robinson accused her of acting without executive authority and breaching the ministerial code.

However, Ms Ritchie maintained she was within her rights to take the decision, which she announced when the UDA failed to begin decommissioning weapons after a 60-day deadline set for last October.

(BMcC)