Doug Beattie, an Ulster Unionist Party MLA and former Army captain, has spoken out against the ongoing feud between rival factions of the UDA in Co Down. In a scathing attack, Beattie referred to the individuals responsible as “thugs” and called for an end to the violence before innocent people are caught in the crossfire. The escalating feud has led to several incidents of violence and intimidation in recent weeks, leaving local communities fearful and vulnerable. In this article, we will take a closer look at Beattie’s comments and examine the wider implications of the UDA feud for Northern Ireland.
A feud between rival loyalist gangs in Newtownards and Bangor in Northern Ireland has escalated, resulting in several incidents including petrol bomb attacks and arson. The police have linked these developments to the ongoing feud, which has seen numerous incidents in the area. The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Doug Beattie, has spoken out against the disturbances stating that those involved in the feud were “thugs and nothing more” who had no loyalty to their communities or the union. He called on the police to take effective action and get those involved in the feud behind bars where they belong. Beattie went on to condemn the feud on Twitter, referring to it as “utterly moronic”, and stating that the police need to go after the money that motivates the gangs, which is all they are loyal to.
The conflict has seen a series of attacks on properties across the Newtownards and Bangor areas. Pipe bombs, petrol bombs, and graffiti have been used in these attacks, with around 15 houses and two cars being targeted as of Wednesday. The police have increased their patrols in the region in response to the situation. Green Party councillor Rachel Woods has condemned the escalating situation, stating that those responsible “don’t care” about who they are harming. She expressed concern that the criminals behind these incidents are only interested in making money for themselves, exerting coercive control over communities, and harming people through the sale of drugs.
The police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant in the face of the ongoing violence. They have allocated extra resources to provide reassurance to the affected communities. However, these incidents have drawn police resources away from preventing crime and detecting offenders across the policing area, putting the police in a difficult position.
The situation has arisen twenty-five years after the ceasefires, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by criminal gangs and organizations that seek to control communities. The use of violence and intimidation has a devastating impact on both individuals and communities, leading to fear and destabilization. It is essential that the police receive the necessary support to tackle these issues and put an end to the violence.
In conclusion, the escalating feud between rival loyalist gangs in Newtownards and Bangor highlights the ongoing threat posed by criminal organizations to local communities. The use of violence and intimidation to exert control over communities is unacceptable and must be brought to an end. The police must be given the necessary resources to tackle these issues and ensure that those responsible for these attacks are held accountable for their actions. It is essential for the peace and stability of the area that effective action is taken to put an end to the violence.
