Pledge on Belfast riots

Northern Ireland’s political leaders have pledged to tackle tensions over controversial parades that sparked rioting for the last three nights in Belfast.

This comes after unionists were criticised for calling for the scrapping of the commission that rules on contentious marches after it placed restrictions on a loyalist band that played provocative music outside a Catholic church.

Loyalist paramilitaries were then blamed for orchestrating riots near the same area following a republican parade this week, with more than 60 police officers hurt in the disturbances.

First Minister Peter Robinson and his deputy Martin McGuinness tonight met representatives from the north Belfast area where the riots took place. 
The two leaders then held separate press conferences condemning the violence, which saw police caught between rival sectarian gangs.

But Mr McGuinness warned that all sides had to respect the rulings of the Parades Commission or risk renewed violence.

“Our position in Sinn Fein is very clear, people need to abide by the rule of law,” he said.

He said the recent marching dispute had seen “terrible displays of bigotry and sectarianism” and called for mutual respect.

Mr Robinson said political leaders would foster private discussions ahead of the September 29 parade to avoid any repeat of the violence. The DUP leader said he wanted to see all sides obeying the rule of law.