US Edition NORTHERN Ireland's largest loyalist terrorist organisation and a violent satellite group were officially declared no longer on ceasefire last night, further complicating the province's latest slide towards a crisis.
John Reid, the Northern Ireland Secretary, formally declared an end to the ceasefire of the Ulster Defence Association, sometimes known as the Ulster Freedom Fighters, two weeks after giving it a final chance to end a wave of violence.
The Loyalist Volunteer Force, which is the chief suspect in the murder of Martin O'Hagan, the Sunday World journalist, was also "specified" as no longer on ceasefire.
The UDA and UVF had been on ceasefire since October 1994. But Dr Reid said: "They have systematically breached their ceasefire and the patience of the people of Northern Ireland has run out."
He said he had clear information that the LVF was involved in Mr O'Hagan's murder a fortnight ago.
The announcement followed a night of violence on Belfast's Protestant Shankill Road when police were attacked by a mob.
Dr Reid said the UDA and LVF had shown contempt for the people of Northern Ireland, for peace and democracy. He added: "They seem determined to spurn the opportunity to make the transition to democracy."
Dr Reid also warned: "They may lash out and flaunt their immorality and their contempt for the law."
Sinn Fein and the SDLP welcomed the announcement, but the UDA's political wing warned of a backlash. Gerry Kelly, Sinn Fein's Stormont Assembly member for North Belfast, said Dr Reid had finally bowed to public pressure.
Jeffrey Donaldson, the Ulster Unionist MP for Lagan Valley, said he was worried about the loyalist reaction.
He said: "The Government has got to apply the same principles across the board. The IRA have engaged in numerous breaches, including murders, and yet the Secretary of State has not moved against them."
John White, chairman of the Ulster Democratic Party, the UDA's political wing, said he feared the announcement could trigger violence by rank and file members of the organisations.
With the Ulster Unionist Party's three ministers due to resign from the power-sharing executive in Belfast on Wednesday, Dr Reid will be forced to take another important decision - whether to return the province to direct rule from Westminster or call new elections.