The Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) includes representatives of the UVF, UDA and the Red Hand Commando.
It was set up in 2015 to help loyalist paramilitaries transform into ‘old boy clubs’ – but that transition away from criminality has never happened.
In recent months, patience with the LCC has been wearing thin. Both the PSNI and the Secretary of State Hilary Benn have refused to meet them.
But a political row has developed following a decision by the DUP Education Minister Paul Givan to meet them.
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During that meeting the LCC demanded the minister halt ongoing plans to build an integrated Irish medium school in east Belfast – causing further controversy and being criticised from many quarters, including by the UUP’s Doug Beattie.
Supporters of Scoil na Seolta, the planned Irish medium integrated school, say the language is for all and so is the school.
But for many loyalists, the school is unwanted, unneeded and unwelcome – and part of a wider campaign targeting their culture.
Niamh Campbell told the story to Ciarán Dunbar.
Loyalists call on DUP education minister to block integrated Irish school in east Belfast
