UDA revolt
Brigadier ‘toppled by a revolt from within’
By David Gordon
dgordon@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
31 March 2005
The ousting of UDA chief Jim Gray will not trigger a fresh shooting war on Belfast’s streets, senior loyalist sources have predicted.
It was also claimed that Gray was toppled as a result of a revolt from within his heartland in the city.
The 43-year-old’s east Belfast UDA faction has long been accused of involvement in the illegal drugs trade and other Mafia-style crimes.
He lived the life of a modern-day godfather, sporting flamboyant clothes and a permanent tan, dining in top restaurants and regular overseas holidays.
He was stood down as east Belfast brigadier by the UDA’s Inner Council leadership yesterday.
One well-placed loyalist source said there was no possibility of the shake-up leading to another protracted loyalist power struggle.
“Jim Gray has no support base. He has been forced out because of a revolt by his own men in east Belfast,” he said.
The source said Gray failed to attend a high level meeting yesterday morning to answer allegations against him by UDA members.
“He had returned early from a holiday in Spain to try to rally support but did not succeed.”
Other sources also played down the prospect of fresh feuding, but said the full picture would emerge over the next few days and nights.
The possibility of isolated incidents involving individuals linked to the axed east Belfast leadership was not being entirely ruled out.
The UDA’s brief statement on Gray’s departure said: “As from 12.30pm March 30, 2005, the Ulster Defence Association has stood down the current leadership of the East Belfast UDA until further notice.
“To dispel any confusion, East Belfast UDA are now under the direct command of the Inner Council.”
The UDA’s move against him is being described by loyalist sources as an attempt to clean up its act.
Gray survived a murder bid by the LVF two and a half years ago. The gun attack sparked months of murderous feuding within loyalism, culminating in the kill- ing of UDA brigadier John ‘Grug’ Gregg and expulsion of Johnny Adair supporters from their Shankill Road strong- hold.
A UDA source last night said a small number of Gray’s allies have also been pushed out. The ousted faction is believed to include a close associate of the “briga- dier”, who was widely regarded as the real power behind the UDA in east Belfast.
There has been speculation about Gray’s position, following claims of a fresh crime spree by some UDA members, supposedly under his command.
