Unionists have criticised the withdrawal of a British army battalion from Northern Ireland as an attempt to appease republicans. The removal of the Belfast battalion, which comprises around 500 soldiers, is expected by next month.
The RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, yesterday announced the troop reduction but pledged that British security forces would remain vigilant in the wake of the recent find of 500lbs of explosives close to Hillsborough, Co Down.
The 1st Battalion of the Prince of Wales's Regiment will return to barracks in Yorkshire where it will be in reserve.
"This further reduction in military numbers is welcome but is one that can be quickly reversed and the troops returned within hours, should the situations demand this," said Sir Ronnie.
Three Belfast battalions had been withdrawn over recent years and this move means there are no emergency army battalions stationed in the city. The two remaining battalions are stationed in Bessbrook, Co Armagh, and Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
A spokesman for the British army said the withdrawal was "a clear demonstration of the improved security situation".
Unionist politicians have claimed the move is aimed at placating republicans. Mr Jim Rodgers, the Ulster Unionist Belfast city councillor, said he was "greatly alarmed" at the reduction at a time when there was a clear increase in the activity of dissident republicans.
The Rev William McCrea, of the DUP also criticised the timing of the withdrawal and said the reduction amounted to a "sop" to republicans. "We do not believe the removal of security at this time will add to the security of the population and we would request the decision be changed." A Sinn Fein spokesman said the move would not make a large impact. "A demilitarisation strategy should have been published by the British government a long time ago. This isn't going to make a real difference. The situation is still exactly the same in areas like south Armagh, in fact the British army is refortifying some installations," he added.
Speaking in Washington, the Sinn Fein president, Mr Gerry Adams, described the announcement as too little, too late, writes Deaglan de Breadun.
"It is a very belated drip-feed announcement of what should have been done a very long time ago as a result of the Good Friday agreement . . . We are now getting baby steps when what is required are gigantic steps forward."