The UDA has officially decommissioned all its weapons.

There’s been a broad welcome for the development, which was facilitated by an independent body.

The North’s biggest loyalist paramilitary group had until next month to destroy its arsenal.

Both the Taoiseach and President Mary McAleese have warmly welcomed the move.

Frankie Gallagher from the Ulster Political Research Group read a statement from the UDA earlier.

“Today the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association can confirm that all weaponry under it’s control has been put verifiably beyond use” he said.

“The work in progress with General John De Chastelain and his team has been concluded, the internal arrangements of disarmament have been completed, and these actions have been verified by two independent witnesses – Lord Eames and Sir George Quigley”.

“To all those in the community who have lost loved ones, we understand and share in your sense of loss – but we are determined and are willing to play our full part in ensuring that the tragedy of the last 40 years will never happen again” he continued.

“We would create an environment where violence is no longer a viable option and where weaponry is a thing of the past”.

“Consequently, the issue of loyalist weaponry no longer presents an obstacle to the development of our communities” he added.