Editor calls for lifting of threats

Editor calls for lifting of threats

Jim McDowell says loyalist lobby group wants to meet him

A Sunday newspaper editor has called for a reassessment of the UDA ceasefire following alleged loyalist threats against him and his family.

Sunday World editor Jim McDowell said the Loyalist Commission wanted to meet him.

He said he would only agree to the meeting if the threats were lifted.

Sunday World journalist Martin O'Hagan was murdered by loyalists in September 2001.

Mr McDowell said he would not attend the meeting without preconditions.

"I want the boycotts withdrawn, the threats withdrawn and the intimidation to stop. Then I will go into a meeting.

"If they have criticism of the Sunday World, or of the way we report on loyalist paramilitaries, I will certainly discuss that.

"But not while I'm under threat, or while my newspaper is the subject of a boycott, or while there is widespread intimidation of newsagents going on," he said.