1.12.04
BBC
UDA ceasefire 'will lead to split'
The latest ceasefire by the Ulster Defence Association will lead to a split in the organisation, the chief constable has said.
Hugh Orde said the opportunity existed for the UDA to work within a political framework, but that a return to criminal tactics would not be tolerated.
The loyalist paramilitary group's cessation of violence officially came into effect on 14 November and was subsequently recognised by the government.
In its statement, the UDA said it was committed to working towards the end of all paramilitary activity.
Speaking after a meeting of the Policing Board on Wednesday, Mr Orde said: "If you want to try and hide behind your flags of convenience and commit crime, we will come after you and we'll put you in front of a court.
"If you want to engage in politics we will do what we can to support you.
"I think you will see a split within the UDA. I think you will see some people who are I think genuinely determined to make a difference in a political sense and I think others simply can't help themselves."
Earlier, Mr Orde told the Policing Board that he hoped the use of plastic bullets could be phased out in Northern Ireland.
He said he was waiting for the results of a police review before making a decision.
He said he hoped the stock of plastic bullets and the number of officers trained in their use could be reduced.
The chief constable was speaking as it emerged the PSNI was facing a budget cut of up to £35m within the next two years.
At the meeting, SDLP policing spokesman Alex Attwood asked about the review of plastic bullets use, saying none had been fired in the province in the last two years.
Mr Orde said: "For me it is very simple - as long as there is no rioting then the need to use PBR (plastic baton rounds) is zero.
Progress on baton alternative
"What we have seen over the last two years, and a lot longer in parts of Northern Ireland, is that we don't need to deploy them because we have used other tactics.
"If you look at the level of violence on the 12 July this year and the restraint shown by my officers, plus the availability of water cannon, it would be highly unlikely that we would have to deploy baton rounds.
"Our intention is not to use them but we maintain the right to hold them and the right to deploy them if the only alternative would be to use lethal force in the form of live rounds."
Mr Orde said he expected to receive the results of the review within the next few days.
"In broad terms it looks like, in light of the current situation, we would reduce the number we keep, the number of officers we train and the number of guns we need," he said.
Budget cuts
Meanwhile, it has emerged that the PSNI is facing extensive budget cuts within the next two years.
The Policing Board revealed the annual PSNI budget in the next financial year will be cut by more than £5m.
The board said a letter from the Northern Ireland Office also revealed that in 2006-7, the police budget will be cut by even more.
Policing Board chairman Professor Desmond Rea said this "early indication of a £30m shortfall is most disturbing".
UDA ceasefire 'will lead to split'
The latest ceasefire by the Ulster Defence Association will lead to a split in the organisation, the chief constable has said.
Hugh Orde said the opportunity existed for the UDA to work within a political framework, but that a return to criminal tactics would not be tolerated.
The loyalist paramilitary group's cessation of violence officially came into effect on 14 November and was subsequently recognised by the government.
In its statement, the UDA said it was committed to working towards the end of all paramilitary activity.
Speaking after a meeting of the Policing Board on Wednesday, Mr Orde said: "If you want to try and hide behind your flags of convenience and commit crime, we will come after you and we'll put you in front of a court.
"If you want to engage in politics we will do what we can to support you.
"I think you will see a split within the UDA. I think you will see some people who are I think genuinely determined to make a difference in a political sense and I think others simply can't help themselves."
Earlier, Mr Orde told the Policing Board that he hoped the use of plastic bullets could be phased out in Northern Ireland.
He said he was waiting for the results of a police review before making a decision.
He said he hoped the stock of plastic bullets and the number of officers trained in their use could be reduced.
The chief constable was speaking as it emerged the PSNI was facing a budget cut of up to £35m within the next two years.
At the meeting, SDLP policing spokesman Alex Attwood asked about the review of plastic bullets use, saying none had been fired in the province in the last two years.
Mr Orde said: "For me it is very simple - as long as there is no rioting then the need to use PBR (plastic baton rounds) is zero.
Progress on baton alternative
"What we have seen over the last two years, and a lot longer in parts of Northern Ireland, is that we don't need to deploy them because we have used other tactics.
"If you look at the level of violence on the 12 July this year and the restraint shown by my officers, plus the availability of water cannon, it would be highly unlikely that we would have to deploy baton rounds.
"Our intention is not to use them but we maintain the right to hold them and the right to deploy them if the only alternative would be to use lethal force in the form of live rounds."
Mr Orde said he expected to receive the results of the review within the next few days.
"In broad terms it looks like, in light of the current situation, we would reduce the number we keep, the number of officers we train and the number of guns we need," he said.
Budget cuts
Meanwhile, it has emerged that the PSNI is facing extensive budget cuts within the next two years.
The Policing Board revealed the annual PSNI budget in the next financial year will be cut by more than £5m.
The board said a letter from the Northern Ireland Office also revealed that in 2006-7, the police budget will be cut by even more.
Policing Board chairman Professor Desmond Rea said this "early indication of a £30m shortfall is most disturbing".
