HOAX BOMB: Intercomm Ireland director Liam Maskey and Winston 'Winkie' Irvine
A NORTH Belfast group that employs prominent loyalist and UVF Boss Winston 'Winkie' Irvine is remaining silent over his future. Intercomm Ireland describes itself as a "conflict resolution organisation". It has been reported that Mr Irvine is employed by the group as a project manager earning £35,000 a year.
Mr Irvine was one of two men arrested last Wednesday by police investigating a hoax bomb alert targeting Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney in north Belfast in March. He appeared in court at the weekend charged with several offences including possession of firearms and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
A second man, 51-year-old Robin Workman, appeared in court on Monday in connection with the same incident. Workman, of Shore Road in Larne, was remanded into custody on firearms charges. Several attempts were made to contact Intercomm Ireland this week but there has been no response.
According to Companies House Liam Maskey, a brother of former Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, is listed as a director of the organisation. DUP Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor Ben Mallon is also registered as a director. Mr Mallon is a former advisor to DUP party leader Jeffrey Donaldson MP and previously served as a councillor on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
He is also a director at Belfast based PR firm MCE. He said he was unable to comment last night as there is "an ongoing police investigation".
Earlier this week grandson of a UVF member victim has called for Mr Irvine to be removed as a trustee of a west Belfast housing association. Belfast based SDLP councillor Carl Whyte spoke out after it emerged that Mr Irvine is listed as a trustee of Woodvale and Shankill Community Housing Association (WSCHA).
A spokeswoman for the Charities Commission on Wednesday night said: "I can confirm that the Commission's enquiries team is aware of the matter which has been reported in the news and is engaging with the charity. As this is a live matter, no further comment can be provided at this time."
He is a former member of North Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership and is listed as the director of several companies.
With many thanks to the: Irish News and Connla Young for the original publication.
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