Assessment sought on unionist paramilitaries

There are concerns that the PSNI is attempting to conceal levels of loyalist violence after they refused to describe an arson attack on a second Gaelic sports club in Tyrone as sectarian.

The clubhouse of Tir Na nOg GAC was badly damaged following a fire which broke out sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Those responsible broke a window and poured flammable liquid inside, which was then set alight. The blaze caused extensive smoke damage, in particular to the ground floor of the club, which fields 15 teams across a range of age groups. Old photos and club memorabilia were also destroyed.

Secretary Mary Daly said she believes club activities may have to take place elsewhere until the damage is assessed and repaired.

She said: “We have yet to assess all the practicalities of it but we may have to play matches away from home. Even having a committee meeting will be difficult.”

“There is extensive damage on the ground floor. The whole place is completely smoke damaged.”

‘NOT SECTARIAN’

The PSNI have said they are not treating the incident as sectarian, despite it following a similar attack on another Gaelic club by loyalists.

Last week, the initials UVF were scorched onto the surface of a pitch at the Gaelic cub at Augher, County Tyrone, after a flammable liquid was poured on the turf and set alight. The letters are an abbreviation of unionist paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Sinn Fein representative Bronwyn McGahan said both attacks were obviously sectarian and she urged unionist leaders to stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in condemnation of the attacks.

Dungannon independent councillor Barry Monteith said that the incident was “an attack on the whole community.”

He said: “The club is going to be out a lot of money and the people of Moy are left to pick up the pieces here.”

“It is sad and despicable that people would attack the GAA in this way in this day and age.”

PSNI DECEPTION

Sinn Fein are demanding a ‘status report’ on unionist paramilitary activity in north County Antrim after it was confirmed that two powerful pipe bombs on timers had been planted by the unionist paramilitary UDA -- only for the PSNI to deny it.

The attacks in Ahoghill, part of an ongoing UDA feud in the area, came as unionist politicians have threatened to collapse the political instutions over allergations of the contuned existence of the Provisional IRA.

Sinn Fein North Antrim representative Daithi McKay said it was well established that unionist paramilitaries in his constituency are involved in criminal activity, intimidation, extortion and drug dealing.

“The confirmation that the UDA is responsible for bomb attacks in the area, including those in Ahoghill recently, is only the latest evidence that unionist paramilitaries are active and a current threat to society.”

“I will be seeking an assessment of current status of ceasefires.”

Urgent Appeal