Secretary of State Peter Hain has said that violence and rioting must be left behind if a strong and prosperous Northern Ireland is to flourish.

Mr Hain made his comments on Wednesday in light of recent loyalist violence as well as protests from the same community at what they perceive as a lack of government support for community development in working class protestant areas.

"Violence is wrong - from wherever it comes: it does not pay and the recent violence has imposed a heavy cost on the communities in which it was carried out," Mr Hain said.

“Be under no illusions: the recent riots and violence, as well as wasting public money, have shaken an international confidence that was viewing Northern Ireland with increasing optimism.

"I accept that there are unionists who are deeply suspicious. Even after a statement from the IRA that is unusually clear, they wonder whether it will be carried through in action or whether hopes will be dashed once again. I also want to see the IRA deliver on its promises.

“But today’s five-year-olds, who will be completing their education after 2020, deserve to enter a thriving job market and need to be equipped with the skills that will be demanded in that dynamic economy. It will be no consolation to say to them in 15 years’ time that Government was too preoccupied with past or present political disputes to plan ahead for their economic security and social future."

During today's speech in Belfast, Mr Hain also confirmed a new role for David Hanson, who is the minister for political development and social development, and who will now also look at deprived loyalist and republican communities.

However, despite today's promise to listen to the concerns of loyalist communities, Mr Hain left a stongly worded message to those who believe violence will advance their cause.

"I have a message to those former paramilitaries who want to move forward to build a better Northern Ireland: leave violence and criminality behind and join the rest of us who want to create a new prosperous Northern Ireland," he said.

(MB/SP)