(Irish News)

Loyalists linked to the UDA last night demanded Chief Constable Hugh Orde's resignation amid claims of bias.

With the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) incensed over police allegations that ex-paramilitary prisoners were involved in extortion rackets, members handed in letters of complaint at 50 police stations across Northern Ireland.

"The UPRG calls on the Policing Board to remove this Chief Constable, as the Protestant, unionist, loyalist community has no confidence in his ability to deliver a fair and impartial policing service within Northern Ireland," councillor Tommy Kirkham said.

Senior police officers have claimed that former prisoners are increasingly immersed in crime.

The accusation incensed the UPRG, which is politically aligned to the UDA.

Mr Kirkham claimed that since Mr Orde had taken charge of the police service a year ago he had waged a vendetta against loyalists.

Letters handed in at police stations challenged senior officers to back up their accusations.

"Since taking up his position he (Mr Orde) has made comment after comment which focuses his attention specifically on loyalism," Mr Kirkham's letter read.

"The UPRG challenges the Chief Constable to clarify the allegation that the prisoners' welfare groups, who support the reintegration of former UDA prisoners released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, are involved in any way in this illegal activity."

This article appeared first in the September 10, 2003 edition of the Irish News.

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