The longstanding feud between two factions of the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) has escalated yet again, with reports emerging of masked men stripping murals and plaques from the walls of a housing estate. The conflict between the UDA’s North and South Antrim factions, which began in the 1990s, has resulted in a series of violent clashes and power struggles that show no signs of abating. This latest bout of vandalism, which is believed to be retaliation for a similar attack by the opposing faction, has left residents feeling vulnerable and fearful. As tensions continue to simmer, questions are being raised about the effectiveness of efforts to quell the ongoing feud.
Around 50 masked men have removed South East Antrim UDA murals and plaques from the Weavers Grange estate in Newtownards, which has been at the centre of an ongoing feud between rival factions of the UDA. The men told local residents they were from the “mainstream” loyalist grouping. There has been a permanent police presence in the area since the feud began three weeks ago, but officers appeared to have been surprised by the arrival of the gang. They protected a home in the area where members of the deposed faction of the SEA UDA have been barracked in, defying threats to leave. Over 30 families have left Newtownards since the fighting began in fear of being caught up in the violence. While a handful have declared themselves homeless, the majority are said to want to return to the area if calm can be restored.
Despite the presence of a police presence and appeals from local women for the warring factions to leave the area, the situation in Newtownards remains tense. The fact that 50 masked men were able to arrive in the area and remove UDA insignia without any disorder only adds to the sense of uncertainty.
Clanmil Housing Association, which owns homes on the Weavers Grange estate, has been working with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to support tenants who have chosen to stay with family or friends due to the current situation. While some people have already returned to their homes, others are understandably reluctant to do so. The association is working closely with the PSNI and other authorities to address the ongoing situation in Newtownards.
These incidents underscore the lingering tensions and divisions that remain in Northern Ireland despite the peace process. In the absence of a functioning power-sharing government in Stormont, local communities are left vulnerable to the actions of paramilitary groups and loyalist factions.
The situation in Newtownards is just one example of the challenges facing Northern Ireland as it struggles to move beyond its troubled past. The Stormont assembly must be restored if the region is to have a functioning government that can address the needs and concerns of all citizens. Until then, local communities will continue to face the threat of violence and division, and the hard-won gains of the peace process will be at risk of being undone.
