Winston Churchill Rea (born 1950 or 1951), known as Winkie Rea, is the former leader of the Red Hand Commando loyalist paramilitary organisation in Northern Ireland.
Rea fell in love with Elizabeth Spence, and in April 1972, he travelled to Long Kesh Prison, where he obtained permission from her father, Gusty Spence to marry her.[1] Immediately after the wedding, Spence absconded, and he remained on the run for four months.[2]
In 1973, Rea was imprisoned for eight years after being found in possession of a Sterling submachine gun. Despite his association with the Red Hand Commando, he joined Spence in the Ulster Volunteer Force section of Long Kesh.[3]
In 1981, Rea appeared on an edition of Counterpoint, arguing against Ian Paisley's evocation of a "Carson trail", and calling for young people not to follow his path.[4]
Rea played a role in negotiating the Combined Loyalist Military Command ceasefire, in 1994.[5] He became active in the Progressive Unionist Party (PUP), linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force, and was the last candidate on party's "top-up" list for the Northern Ireland Forum election of 1996, but was not elected.[6] However, he formed part of the PUP's Good Friday Agreement negotiating team.[7]
In 1998, Rea was arrested and questioned about the murder of Frankie Curry, a former Red Hand Commando member. He was subsequently released, without charge.[8][9] During a loyalist feud, in 2000, Rea's house was broken into by members of the C Company of the rival Ulster Freedom Fighters, led by Johnny Adair. They destroyed many of his possessions.[10]
Rea later founded the 1st Shankill Northern Ireland Supporters' Club, and acted as its treasurer.[11]