High-level talks over Belfast violence

REPUBLICANS and loyalists have been involved in high-level talks in a bid to end violence in north Belfast, it emerged last night.

Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly met Reverend Mervyn Gibson, chairman of the loyalist commission, a group that includes paramilitary representatives.

Sources close to Mr Kelly confirmed the meeting took place in an effort to persuade the loyalist Ulster Defence Association to stop attacking Catholic homes.