THE 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment is returning for a tour of duty in Northern Ireland, writes Frank Millar, from London. The Paras, based in Aldershot, will replace the Coldstream Guards at the end of their six month tour.
But a Ministry of Defence spokesman insisted there was "nothing exceptional" about the proposed deployment.
"Those familiar with the deployment of army regiments to Northern Ireland will be aware that all army infantry regiments, apart from the Gurkhas, serve on rotation," he said. And he added that the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment had been due to return to the North for over a year.
It was made clear last night that the Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, has not sought to send an additional battalion - relocated last September - back to the North. During the recent debate on the renewal of "direct rule", Sir Patrick made it clear that that option remained open to him, subject to the continuing security assessment and the advice of the GOC.
Official sources last night declined to say when the Paras would return to the North, although it is understood the Coldstream Guards are about halfway through their tour.