Sinn Fein/IRA orchestrated areas of conflict

When the "Mask" slips

Mob violence . . . masked Donald Mercer (above) pictured leading the attack on police.

A Garvaghy Road (Portadown) residents' leader pulls on a mask and attacks police - just days after peace talks with Mo Mowlan.

The shocking photo shows Donald Mercer, hurling missiles at officers before the Drumcree march last year (1997). Days earlier he had joined a high-powered delegation from the residents' group which had "proximity talks" at Hillsborough Castle.

Security cameras captured Mercer, of Garvaghy Park, leading a mob which pelted police with missiles. One shot showed him prowling the street with a rock in each hand. He disappears but seconds later re-emerges wearing a makeshift mask before launching his attack. "

The Sun" 30 June 1998