EXCLUSIVE
DISSAFFECTED UVF members have made a direct appeal to the Shankill Road leadership to expel crimeland hate figure David 'Dee' McConnell from the organisation. The Sunday World understands a direct approach has been made to veteran Chief of Staff John 'Bunter' Graham to intervene in East Belfast and kick McConnell out for good.
Outcast McConnell, once one of the untouchables in the East Belfast UVF, has come under increasing pressure, with the leadership facing repeated calls for him to be expelled. Demands that he be kicked out have intensified in recent months after a series of indiscretions.
Last month he was allegedly caught inside the house of a woman in the city who raised the alarm when disturbed by the sound of a man forcing his way into her home. The incident was the straw that broke the camels back for many East Belfast members. It brought unwanted police attention to the east at a time when the organised crime gang is under intense scrutiny from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. Sources in the east of the city have described McConnell as "a liability and a loose cannon. It's as if he can just go anywhere and do whatever he likes," said our source, "if anyone else had done what he has done in the past we would not be allowed to set foot back in the east ever again."
The Sunday World understands at least one veteran UVF man and someone else close to the East Belfast leadership has made his concerns clear to the organisation's Shankill Road HQ. They have been powerless to rein in the east as they have effectively broken away from the central leadership, but the fact disquiet has been brought to the door of Chief of Staff John 'Bunter' Graham (pictured below), is an indication of the anger on the ground. "If the East Belfast UVF leadership won't do anything about him, we have to turn to the Shankill," said our source.
While not quite a revolt, East Belfast will be concerned that members' frustration has reached the point of going to the Shankill. McConnell was stood down as East Belfast UVF Commander a few years ago after he was caught with his hands in the till, dealing drugs on the side and without the knowledge of the leadership and pocketing all the profits.
Because of his close ties with top figures in the East Belfast UVF, he was simply busted as commander but remained a UVF member.
He moved to Scotland where he is in a relationship with a woman. But he is still a frequent presence in his native city. "It's just poisoning the waters for the rest of us," our source said. "It would be better if he wasn't around."
With many thanks to the: Sunday World and the EXCLUSIVE original story by Richard Sullivan - richard.sullivan@sudayworld.com
Follow this link to find out more information on David 'Dee' McConnell: David 'Dee' McConnell UVF Commander East Belfast
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