Talks vital in preventing summer violence says Trimble

A summer of violence will have a negative impact on local politics, UUP leader David Trimble has warned.

The Upper Bann MP was speaking ahead of talks between Unionist politicians and representatives of the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) on Tuesday.

Mr Trimble hopes talks with the UPRG, which represents loyalist paramilitaries, will stem sectarian violence during the marching season this summer.

However, he also called on republicans to do their bit towards acts of completion.

He said: “If we find interfaces heated up, people will draw conclusions and republicans could do themselves enormous damage if they don't do their bit. But we need to see the other bit done by loyalists and that's something I will be reflecting on with loyalists."

Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist MP for Lagan Valley, Jeffrey Donaldson has called on Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams to demonstrate good will towards unionists by allowing the Orange Order to march down the Garvaghy Road this July.

Mr Donaldson made the call after the West Belfast MP said his party planned to "reach out" to unionists over the coming days.

However, Mr Donaldson said any the Drumcree dispute would not be used as a bartering point for any political concessions.

"If this summer republican opposition to parades like Portadown and other areas was withdrawn these parades could take place in a peaceful atmosphere and people will be more prepared to listen to Gerry Adams' words," he added.

(MB)