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Minister's McDonald meeting ends Minister's McDonald meeting ends
(20 minutes later)
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie's meeting with UDA leader Jackie McDonald and political representatives has ended.Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie's meeting with UDA leader Jackie McDonald and political representatives has ended.
She again warned she may withdraw funding for a £1.2m project aimed at helping the UDA abandon violence.She again warned she may withdraw funding for a £1.2m project aimed at helping the UDA abandon violence.
It follows disturbances in Bangor and Carrickfergus during the summer which the police have blamed on the UDA. Further meetings are planned, but the minister made it clear that her position had not changed.
"There must be meaningful engagement with de Chastelain and a start to decommissioning," said Ms Ritchie
"That of course has to be verified by de Chastelain and by his commission, which are the standard procedures in place."
The minister's ultimatum follows disturbances in Bangor and Carrickfergus during the summer which the police have blamed on the UDA.
In August, the minister said the UDA must start decommissioning weapons and end criminal activity within 60 days.In August, the minister said the UDA must start decommissioning weapons and end criminal activity within 60 days.
She said she would withdraw more than £1m of funding for a conflict transformation initiative if this did not happen.She said she would withdraw more than £1m of funding for a conflict transformation initiative if this did not happen.
Jackie McDonald, the organisation's most senior member, and members of the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) met the minister on Thursday night to try to persuade her not to withdraw the funding.Jackie McDonald, the organisation's most senior member, and members of the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) met the minister on Thursday night to try to persuade her not to withdraw the funding.
Ms Ritchie has made it clear that continued funding is dependent on UDA behaviour.
Mr McDonald and the UPRG have said the money is not going directly to members of the UDA, but to help people in working class loyalist areas badly affected by the Troubles.Mr McDonald and the UPRG have said the money is not going directly to members of the UDA, but to help people in working class loyalist areas badly affected by the Troubles.