The real threat to the peace process

national | crime and justice | opinion/analysis Wednesday April 21, 2004 12:22 by P.j.

While republicans are dragged through the mire for electoral purposes the violence of the loyalist paramilitaries continues. Here are three stories taken from today’s papers to illustrate that point.

The construction of a new old people's home in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast has been halted due to loyalist threats against the building workers. The facility, which is in its very early stages, is being built by the Oaklee Housing Association in the grounds of the Holy Cross chapel, on the outskirts of Ardoyne. Loyalist community workers have claimed that the development will create a new interface and have expressed concern that visitors to the building could launch attacks on nearby Protestant homes.

Police in Belfast are investigating an overnight attack on the home of Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann in the Lower Falls Road area of the city. The windows of the house were smashed by ball-bearings during the attack. Mr McCann's house was also targeted in a similar attack a number of weeks ago. Police in Belfast are investigating an overnight attack on the home of Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann in the Lower Falls Road area of the city. The windows of the house were smashed by ball-bearings during the attack. Mr McCann's house was also targeted in a similar attack a number of weeks ago.

17-year-old youth was injured in a paramilitary style attack last night in the Rathcoole estate on the northern outskirts of Belfast. He sustained a suspected broken arm and bruising to the body.Police say he was found in the Glen area around 11.30pm after being confronted by a number of men and beaten with sticks.