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11/12/2012
PM Statement Needed Over NI Violence - Coaker
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Vernon Coaker has called for the UK government to issue a statement in relation to the ongoing violence in Northern Ireland.
"Loyalist paramilitaries have been involved in orchestrating sustained rioting and tonight a group of masked men tried to murder police officers by throwing a petrol bomb into a police car," he said.
His comments followed an attack on an unmarked police car outside Alliance Party MP Naomi Long’s east Belfast office.
Alliance Party members have come under increasing violence from loyalists over the decision to fly the union flag above Belfast City Hall only on designated days.
Mr Coaker continued: "Violence night after night would not be tolerated in London, Dublin, Cardiff or Edinburgh. It should not be tolerated in Belfast. A clear and strong political response at Westminster is needed."
On Monday night Alliance Party leader David Ford told UTV’s Live Tonight programme the Prime Minister had not returned his telephone call.
Mr Ford said there was hurt over the attacks against his party.
"Hurt in particular that there is very little response from the government," he said.
"I sought a call today (Monday) to the Prime Minister and I haven't had that.
"Naomi Long had a meeting with the Secretary of State which was full of apology - but nothing of substance. If the deputy Prime Minister can ring an MP whose life is threatened over the weekend - I would expect the Prime Minister to take it seriously as well."
Mr Ford added: "I think what we need is an assurance that the government takes the threat which is currently faced democracy in Northern Ireland seriously - that it doesn't think that the only threats come from Republicans, that it's prepared to ensure that the resources are supplied to face down these protests."
(IT)
"Loyalist paramilitaries have been involved in orchestrating sustained rioting and tonight a group of masked men tried to murder police officers by throwing a petrol bomb into a police car," he said.
His comments followed an attack on an unmarked police car outside Alliance Party MP Naomi Long’s east Belfast office.
Alliance Party members have come under increasing violence from loyalists over the decision to fly the union flag above Belfast City Hall only on designated days.
Mr Coaker continued: "Violence night after night would not be tolerated in London, Dublin, Cardiff or Edinburgh. It should not be tolerated in Belfast. A clear and strong political response at Westminster is needed."
On Monday night Alliance Party leader David Ford told UTV’s Live Tonight programme the Prime Minister had not returned his telephone call.
Mr Ford said there was hurt over the attacks against his party.
"Hurt in particular that there is very little response from the government," he said.
"I sought a call today (Monday) to the Prime Minister and I haven't had that.
"Naomi Long had a meeting with the Secretary of State which was full of apology - but nothing of substance. If the deputy Prime Minister can ring an MP whose life is threatened over the weekend - I would expect the Prime Minister to take it seriously as well."
Mr Ford added: "I think what we need is an assurance that the government takes the threat which is currently faced democracy in Northern Ireland seriously - that it doesn't think that the only threats come from Republicans, that it's prepared to ensure that the resources are supplied to face down these protests."
(IT)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
