Wednesday 13 July 2011

Robinson and McGuinness condemn rioting


First Minister Rt Hon Peter D. Robinson MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA have today condemned the violence at a number of flashpoints last night and appealed for calm.

Mr Robinson said: "As a government we are working together to ensure that Northern Ireland prospers and grows in strength. It is saddening to see Ulster in the international news for all the wrong reasons. Those involved in last night's violence and rioting provide nothing to society. Those manipulating the violence will not win. The overwhelming majority are determined to move forward."

Mr McGuinness said: "I visited Ardoyne on Monday and met with local people, community and church leaders. They made it very clear to me that they did not want to see any violence in their community over the Twelfth parade. It is disappointing that a small number of people chose to ignore their demand and instead went about attacking the police and damaging the local community. There were also a number of other violent incidents in Derry, Ballymena and Armagh."

The Ministers confirmed that they will be meeting in Stormont Castle tomorrow to discuss the recent violence and added: "Those involved in rioting must realise that it only results in damaging their local community. We would appeal for calm and ask everyone to think of the consequences of their actions." 

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