The following is the text of the statement by the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, about the arrest of Johnny Adair.
I took the decision to suspend the licence of this prisoner after receiving a full report from the security forces and on the advice of the police this morning. I have always promised that I would not hesitate to act on that advice and I shall do so again if need be.
My priority is public safety and I cannot give freedom to an individual intent on abusing it. I am satisfied that this particular individual has breached the terms of his licence.
I will not allow anyone to prejudice the interests of the whole community.
The people of Belfast do not want to live under the heel of gangsters and thugs, who use old-style paramilitary methods for their own ends.
It is time for all of us to confront the dark side of Northern Ireland society, the Mafia culture created by decades of paramilitary conflict.
That is the next great challenge for all of us. I am determined that government and police will play their full part, but it is up to everyone in Northern Ireland to turn their backs forever on individuals who are interested only in their own power and greed.
I urge community and political leaders to come forward now and show leadership. Loyalists must put the feuds of the past behind them for the sake of the new generation and the new prosperity we want in Northern Ireland.
Mr Mandelson took the decision to suspend the licence early yesterday at a meeting with the British army GOC and Deputy Chief Constable of the RUC. He signed the appropriate papers yesterday afternoon.