Rival UVF factions gear up for Twelfth of July fight

As we approach July, a number of "mini-Twelfth'' parades are under way to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

And they are being seen as a key indicator of support for the Shankill Road leadership in their stand-off with East Belfast.

Last month they flooded the east of the city with more than 1,500 men who lined the Newtownards Road during an annual memorial parade for past member Robert "Squeak" Seymour.

Insiders have told said that it is being regarded as a huge own goal which threatens to alienate veteran chief John 'Bunter' Graham and sidekick 'Harmless' Harry Stockman.

Many of those ordered to take part in the show of strength were reluctant participants and it has only bolstered support for the East Belfast faction.

Last November the Shankill stood down the eight-man command structure in the East, including alleged gang boss Stephen Matthews.

Matthews, who denies involvement in crime and membership of the terror group, is understood to have stepped back from criminality and is described as "semi-retired'' – but he remains a highly influential figure in the east of the city.

He was yards away from the UVF show of strength two weeks ago, handing out football prizes in the Con Club.

A number of other senior figures targeted last autumn are also understood to have stepped away from crime but a significant rump remained and continue to run drugs and loan sharking rackets.

The Shankill tried to take control of the debts and put in a place a new command structure under the command of veteran in his 60s. Hand-picked by Graham, he is seen as a safe pair of hands.

The show of strength was intended to bolster his position but had the opposite effect. When it became clear the veteran could only muster around 20 men for the Seymour parade, Stockman bussed in hundreds of members from outlying districts.

Earlier in the day, hundreds attended a brief service at Seymour's graveside where Matthews was presented with an engraved silver salver. Many long-standing members, some in their 80s, attended in what was a wake-up call for Stockman and Graham.

The Sunday World understands a number of districts, including South Belfast, have said they are ready to break away and row in behind the East.

"The East's not having it," said a source, "they are ready to stand on their own, they don't trust anyone and will circle the wagons.

"How involved the big man (Matthews) is, is anyone's guess but the Shankill's move the other week has backfired big style.

"The boys in the East have been getting calls of support, but they are very wary."

He said the ball was in the Shankill's court.

"I'd stop short of saying it's a power struggle, but it has the potential to isolate the Shankill leadership."

The mainstream organisation has come under intense pressure from the government to honour its commitment to transition away from criminality.

Their move against the East was to be seen as a signal of intent to live up to that commitment.

"Public opinion in the East had turned against them, but it has turned full circle," our source said.

He said the remainder of the marching season will be a test for the UVF leadership.

"Instead of slaying the monster they've created another one."