PUP left in disarray following murder on the Shankill

Monday 07 June 10

Following the murder of Mr Moffett on the Shankill Road on Friday the 28^th of May, Dawn Purvis has stood from the PUP.  Ms Purvis who succeed David Irvine as leader of party stated “I can no longer offer leadership to a political party which is expected to answer for the indefensible actions of others."  Police have said, Mr Moffett was killed by "individuals linked to the UVF" and one man has already been arrested in relation to the murder.

The UVF claimed to have decommissioned all its weapons last year.  However, the Independent Monitoring Commission said in its latest report that it could not rule out that some arms had been retained in some parts of the organisation.  Dr John Kyle the party’s interim leader has stated that "Clearly there are still weapons around and there are people who still believe that violence is justifiable and are prepared to resort to it,"

The actions by the Loyalist paramilitary linked with the PUP has created a split within the party, and it is expected that a number of members will follow Ms Purivis and resign from the party.

Even though Ms Purvis has stood down as the party leader and as a party member she will remain in Stormont as an independent member.  This will leave the PUP with no representation in the Assembly.