There are growing concerns today about republicans intent on creating trouble turning the Twelfth Orange Order parades into an excuse for rioting.

As Sinn Fein representatives blamed "dissidents" and "outside elements" for damage to commercial premises and sustained rioting in the Broadway area of Belfast over the weekend, there are new concerns today over similar orchestrated trouble at next Monday's traditional Twelfth parades.

The SDLP's Oldpark Councillor Nichola Mallon has even called on the Parades Commission to review its decision to permit parades past Ardoyne shop fronts on 12th July.

She said: "The only way there can ever be a lasting and peaceful resolution of the parading issue is by ongoing genuine and meaningful dialogue at a local level.

"This ruling by the Parades Commission plays directly into the hands of the extremists because it can be used by those who want to peddle the dangerous argument that dialogue doesn't."

Expressing fears that the march could be used by the same republican dissidents to ferment violence, she said: "I would urge the Commission to look again at its decision."

The nationalist politician was speaking just hours after a Press conference by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams who highlighted the fact that property on the nationalist side of the Donegall Road had been in fact attacked by nationalists during the violence.

He was speaking soon after the PSNI described the rioting as "orchestrated" after officers had to use baton rounds in an attempt to quell the disturbances on Saturday night.

Six police officers were injured as a result of republican attacks at the Broadway and Bog Meadows areas.

Mr Adams added: "There were also, according to local people, others purporting to come from these so-called dissident groups who were clearly seeking to encourage the young people particularly."

Councillor Breige Brownlee of Sinn Fein also said there was "no loyalist involvement on Friday night or since" and appealed for anyone from outside the area to stay away.

Commenting on concerns around the 12th the Sinn Féin President said: "We will use our influence to try and keep the 12th calm. I have also, as is now my tradition, written to the leaders of the marching orders asking them to meet with me."

However, the West Belfast MP also criticised the use of plastic Bullets by the PSNI at the weekend. Mr. Adams said: "These are lethal force weapons. They should not be used."

See: Westlink Closed Off As PSNI Attacked

(BMcC/GK)