Political leaders across Northern Ireland have united to condemn reported threats of paramilitary violence following a vote on an Irish Language Policy at Belfast City Council (BCC) last week.

The threats, reportedly made by representatives of loyalist paramilitaries, involved launching a "campaign of arson" against council facilities.

Sinn Féin councillor Natasha Brennan called for "clear and unequivocal condemnation" of the threats from all political leaders. She stated: "Paramilitaries have no place in our society. They offer only fear and division. It's long past time for these criminal gangs to disband and leave the stage completely." Alliance Belfast City Council Group Leader Michael Long condemned the reports, calling the threats made after a democratic vote "downright sinister".

Councillor Long argued that the incident "further highlights that the only real aim of these groups is to continue their coercive control over our communities, fanning the flames of tension, fear, and violence for their own agendas."

He also criticised the decision by the UK and Irish Governments to appoint an official paramilitary interlocutor, arguing it was a "glaring misstep" that treated the proscribed organisations as "legitimate parties to be negotiated with, rather than the violent criminals that they are."

Councillor Long affirmed that the Alliance Party "never has, and never will, give into the threat of violence" and will continue working to see these groups "off our streets for good".