Death rate from Ulster troubles at lowest level in decades

The death rate from the troubles in Northern Ireland fell this year to one of its lowest levels in almost three-and-a-half decades, with just 10 killings attributed to paramilitary activity.

The death toll is the third lowest since 1969, when violence broke out on a large scale. Only one of 2003's deaths was sectarian, the rest resulted from internal disputes.

Although it was not trouble-free, 2003 was also one of the quietest on the streets.

The total is the lowest since the seven deaths in 1999. Fifteen were killed in 2002, with 19 dying in both 2000 and 2001.

The question of killings dating from previous years is still high on the agenda, with inquiries being held into episodes such as Bloody Sunday in 1972 and the 1974 bombings of Dublin and Monaghan. The issue of violence and potential violence remains central in the political arena, with Unionists continuing to press for IRA arms decommissioning.

As in previous years, loyalist paramilitaries were responsible for most of the deaths. That contradicts the assumption of many that the IRA is the largest source of violence.

Of the three republican killings, one was apparently carried out by the IRA, which is held responsible for abducting Gareth O'Connor, from Armagh. He is missing and presumed dead. An IRA member was killed in a dispute in south Armagh, while a Falls Road man was killed by the so-called "Real IRA".

Seven of this year's deaths were the work of loyalists. Most of these arose from internal disputes, many resulting from the activities of Johnny "Mad Dog" Adair, who returned to prison in January. The most notable fatality was leading loyalist John "Grugg" Gregg, who was killed with another man by Adair supporters. One Catholic man, James McMahon, 21, died at the hands of a loyalist gang in Lisburn, Co Antrim.