David Ford said: “This move is totally ridiculous. The UDA should be shutting up shop altogether, instead of changing its leadership in North Belfast.
“Loyalist paramilitaries still pose a massive threat to the community in Northern Ireland. All paramilitary groups must cease activity and disband to allow progress to be made in breaking the current political stalemate in Northern Ireland.”
“Whilst moves by republicans have been too long in coming, at least there are clear indications that the IRA is winding down it activities. We need to see similar commitments from loyalists.”
David Ford concluded: “The only role for this new leadership is to closed down the UDA for once and for all.”
ENDS