IRA step splits loyalist militias

Loyalist groups and hardline republicans have given a mixed reaction to the IRA's move on decommissioning arms.

Loyalist paramilitary groups are reported to be split on what response to take. The Ulster Volunteer Force appeared to hail the IRA move which it described as "seriously significant".

David Ervine, a spokesman for its political wing, the Progressive Unionist Party, said: "Having demanded we see the bona fides of the republican movement, it is incumbent on all of us to get on with the job of moving the process forward."

Other UVF figures, however, insisted they would not be decommissioning arms themselves. The rival Ulster Defence Association took a blunt stance. Sources said: "Decommissioning is not on the cards." John White, a leading member of the UDA's political wing, the Ulster Democratic Party said: "There is kudos for Sinn Fein/IRA in decommissioning but there's nothing for us. This will not deplete the IRA's arsenal. They still have the capability to plant bombs."

The wider republican movement was also said to be split. Although splinter groups the Real IRA and Continuity IRA are reported to have suffered weakened morale there is much anger at the deal among hardliners who still want to see British troops out of Ulster.