The UFF threat to break its ceasefire was to be taken seriously and could have implications for the prison release programme, the Northern Ireland Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, has said. Speaking in Cork yesterday where he opened the annual midsummer festival, Mr Mandelson reacted to the threat by saying he assumed the UFF statement had not been issued lightly.
"It does concern me and I do take it seriously. I assume the statement has not been issued lightly, although I am not sure what foundation it has. This is the sort of threat that doesn't help anyone, least of all the members of the paramilitary organisations - after all we are entering a new peaceful environment, one in which maintenance of the ceasefires is very important indeed.
"If now people are calling this into question, then obviously that is something I will assess. I always keep the ceasefire under review and if the ceasefire is broken that would have a direct impact on my assessment and, of course, on prison releases in the future. But I am sure they will take that into account and I hope very much they will not proceed with the sort of threat they have made.
"I am not aware of any behaviour or any activity which would justify the sort of threat that is being made today - there are provocations back and forth - we have a strong peace in Northern Ireland but it is not a perfect one, but certainly I don't know anything that could warrant the issue of a threat such as this. It is unwelcome, unhelpful and it illustrates the difficulty that some people are experiencing in leaving their pasts behind them."
Urging the communities on both sides of the political divide to abide by the decision of the Parades Commission as the marching season approaches in the North, Mr Mandelson said the commission was doing a difficult job well and should be allowed to get on with it. Its decisions would not be popular with everyone and different decisions would be taken in different circumstances. Although people might disapprove of those decisions, they should abide by them.
Asked about a threat to his security following the discovery of a device in the grounds of his Hillsborough Castle residence last Monday night, Mr Mandelson said he was not worried about his personal security and had every faith in the Northern Ireland police force. "Whatever needs to be investigated will be investigated by the police who, as ever, will do a very good job," he said.