Loyalist violence 'is appalling'
Security Minister Shaun Woodward has said he was appalled at loyalist
violence in Belfast and County Antrim overnight.
The disturbances erupted out of widespread loyalist protests over a
disputed Orange Order parade in Belfast. Hundreds were involved.
Mr Woodward praised the police for their handling of the situation.
"There can be no justification whatsoever for the disgraceful violence
and disorder we have seen," he said.
"The attacks on both police and soldiers, some of whom have been
seriously injured, are to be utterly condemned.
"In protecting the community from violence they have paid a heavy
price."
SDLP deputy leader Alasdair McDonnell said what happened was seriously
damaging to the political process.
"The Orange Order must stand up today and tell the truth about its
involvement in spurring up tensions and encouraging scenes of
devastation," he said.
"The Orange Order continues to claim to be against terrorism yet they
don't hesitate to associate with murderous paramilitaries when and
where it suits them."
DUP leader Ian Paisley criticised the Parades Commission for what he
said was its refusal to consider other proposals about the march from
himself and Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey.
"The Parades Commission are to blame for the mess that has been
created," he said.
"The commission treated elected representatives with contempt by its
refusal to even call us to put our case. We were refused the
opportunity to give greater detail."
While I'm always sympathetic to police, I am shocked at some of
tactics being used
Sir Reg Empey
UUP leader
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said responsibility for the violence
lay with comments made by the unionist leaders.
"Thus far, due to the discipline of nationalists and republicans,
things have remained fairly calm," he said.
"However, there is a concerted attempt under way to draw young
nationalists and republicans into conflict at interface areas across
Belfast."
Sir Reg denied making any statements which he said could be construed
as encouraging disorder.
He condemned the trouble, but also criticised some of the police
tactics.
"While I'm always sympathetic to police, I am shocked at some of the
tactics being used," he said.
"I have personally witnessed women, who had been trying to prevent
stoning, being pushed to the ground for no justifiable reason."
Presbyterian Moderator Dr Harry Uprichard said he was "appalled by the
widespread rioting that has spread across Belfast and beyond and
shocked by its violence and ferocity".
"Anyone with influence should use it to diffuse tension and do all
they can to return calm to our communities.
"All involved should use only peaceful and lawful methods to create a
climate in which the many concerns and worries about freedom to
express culture, to achieve justice and equality and about human
rights can be dealt with constructively."
Catholic Archbishop of Armagh Sean Brady said he was very distressed
to hear of the rioting and urged community leaders to restore calm.
"The safety of people and the security of their property is being
severely threatened. I hope that calm will be restored to these
communities by community leaders engaging in constructive talks."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4234950.stm
Published: 2005/09/11 10:49:12 GMT
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