Divisions appear in UUP over IRA arms gesture
Divisions have already appeared within the Ulster Unionist Party over yesterday’s IRA move to begin the process of decommissioning.
South Belfast MP Martin Smyth has criticised the secrecy surrounding the destruction of some of the IRA’s arsenal and has called for information about how the weapons were destroyed and what quantity was involved.
"The current secrecy and lack of detail will encourage only distrust, not confidence, and may not enhance the position of the UUP within unionism," he said.
Mr Smith’s stance was backed up by South Antrim MP David Burnside, who said Sinn Fein’s democratic credentials have not yet been proven in the eyes of unionists.
Yesterday, UUP leader David Trimble, who held talks with General John de Chastelain, the chairman of the decommissioning body, said the IRA’s move was satisfactory and added that he will seek re-election as the North’s First Minister.
However, Mr Trimble has always faced challenges from his party colleagues who feel Sinn Fein should not be part of the North’s Government. These elements are now calling for information about the act of decommissioning, saying the UUP could be "irrevocably damaged" unless more clarity is provided.
This clarity is unlikely to be forthcoming, however, because General de Chastelain has said that providing details about how weapons have already been destroyed could jeopardise future acts of decommissioning on the part of the IRA.
