Loyalists Organised Union Flag Violence - McGuinness

Martin McGuinness has said the recent violence over the union flag debate at City Hall was organised and orchestrated by loyalist paramilitaries.

The deputy First Minister was speaking at a special session of the Assembly today where a motion was debated calling for solidarity with the Alliance Party and the condemnation of violent protest.

The motion was brought by Mr McGuinness and First Minister Peter Robinson following a call from Alliance leader David Ford.

Mr McGuinness said political parties must play a central part in healing divisions instead of raising tensions.

He claimed the trouble involved both the UVF and the UDA.

First Minister Peter Robinson said: "People have no right to attack elected representatives just because they do not share the same views."

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt added: "Anyone who attacks a police officer, an elected politician, or individual fails to understand the values that encapsulate the union flag."

David Ford said: "An immediate priority must be to find a means to accommodate different identities through a shared approach to symbols, even if that is perceived by some, as meddling with identity.”

Mr McGuinness’s remarks follow comments from Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr on Saturday. He said: "Loyalist paramilitary groups are now actively involved in orchestrating this disorder."

He claimed members of the UDA and UVF were involved in the violence, while senior members were involved in orchestrating the violence.

(IT/GK)