Why are the UDA called Wombles?

Why are the UDA called Wombles?

The UDA were often referred to by the nickname “Wombles” by their rivals, mainly the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). The nickname is derived from the furry fictional children’s TV creatures The Wombles, and was given to the UDA because many of its members wore fur-trimmed parkas.

When was the UDA banned?

1992
The UDA was banned by the British government in 1992. In October 1994, in response to a self-described “complete cessation of all military activities” by the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the UDA joined with other loyalist paramilitary organizations in declaring a cease-fire.

Who were the UFF?

The UFF is the cover-name used by the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) for killings and other acts of violence. The UDA/UFF is still officially maintaining a ceasefire, along with the other main loyalist organisation, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).

Who is the UDA leader?

Fed-up SEA UDA leader Gary Fisher is under pressure to act against Skidmark, especially as his out-of-control antics are bringing added police attention to its money-making rackets.

Is Ulster Catholic or Protestant?

It is the second-largest (after Munster) and second-most populous (after Leinster) of Ireland’s four provinces, with Belfast being its biggest city. Unlike the other provinces, Ulster has a high percentage of Protestants, making up almost half of its population.

Is the red hand of Ulster Protestant or Catholic?

The Red Hand is one of the only emblems in Northern Ireland used by both communities in Northern Ireland although it is more associated with the Protestant community. Catholics see it as representing the nine counties of Ulster while Protestants see it as representing the six counties of Northern Ireland.

What is the difference between UVF and UDA?

The UVF was the deadliest of these groups, carrying out 481 killings, while the UDA/UFF was responsible for 260 deaths. 1. Groups and organisations of Loyalist paramilitaries date back to the Ulster Volunteers, an armed militia that resisted the move towards Home Rule in 1913-14.

Is the UVF still active?

The assessment says there are about 7,500 people in the UVF and 5,000 in the UDA. Although many are not active, sources say they are still “card carrying” members. Last month, the Independent Reporting Commission (IRC) warned paramilitary groups still pose a “clear and present danger” to Northern Ireland.

Does the UFF still exist?

The Ulster Democratic party, founded in 1989, is the product of that process. The UFF, meanwhile, remains in business in a sporadic kind of way. It was one of the loyalist groups which declared a ceasefire in 1994, following a similar declaration by the IRA.

Who is skidmark Rathcoole?

Crime boss ‘Skidmark’ — who runs the terror gang in the Rathcoole estate in Newtownabbey — made the chilling threat at an emergency UDA meeting that he called earlier this month. It was in response to a series of articles in this newspaper exposing his drug dealing, extortion and involvement in recent rioting.

What is the most Protestant town in Northern Ireland?

Ballymena is the buckle in Northern Ireland’s Bible belt, the seat of the Paisley family and a place that has been likened to 1960s Mississippi. It is rural, conservative, mainly born-again Christian and predominantly Protestant.

What is the most Protestant town in Ireland?

Greystones, Co Wicklow, has the highest Church of Ireland (including Protestants) population, at 11.3 per cent.