Warring loyalists were tonight heading for a bloody showdown after supporters of Johnny Adair defied an ultimatum to disassociate from him.
As the bitter feud within the Ulster Defence Association continued, Adair's faction vowed to meet any attacks with "a measured military response".
It followed a warning from the UDA leadership to Adair's men to desert his west Belfast-based C Company by midnight tomorrow or face the consequences.
|
|
Unidentified men carry the coffin of
murdered Ulster Defence Association (UDA) member Robert Carson today. |
Adair's unit pledged to resist any attacks. "Any acts of aggression towards C Company personnel will be met with a measured military response against the aggressors.
"While C Company will continue to seek a resolution to the present impasse and difficulties, we are determined and resolute in ensuring the safety of our officers and members," it added.
The UDA leadership has warned that retribution for Saturday night's double murder will begin hours after tomorrow's funeral of south east Antrim brigadier John Gregg.
The funeral in the loyalist Rathcoole Estate on the outskirts of north Belfast is expected to be the biggest loyalist paramilitary show of strength since LVF leader Billy Wright was buried.
Adair's company was blamed for the murders of Gregg and fellow UDA member Robert Carson, who were shot in Belfast on Saturday night as they returned from a Glasgow Rangers match.
One senior loyalist claimed that Adair and his close associate John White were "finished".
"Members of C Company are walking away in droves. There is no doubt about it, these people are finished. Adair doesn't have the support of any other organisation."
Carson, a 33-year-old father of two, was buried today after a funeral service at his family home.
Members of the UDA's leadership were among thousands of loyalists who turned out for the funeral in the Rathcoole Estate.
These included the four remaining members of the UDA inner council, Jim Gray (East Belfast), Billy McFarlane (North Antrim and Derry), Jackie McDonald (South Belfast) and Andre Shoukri (North Belfast).
PA