Attack could keep tourists away

Belfast Lord Mayor Sammy Wilson condemned the attack and predicted it could scupper efforts to attract visitors to the city.

‘‘For this to happen is devastating, it’s the kind of thing that quickly goes around the whole tourist industry,’’ he said.

‘‘We are trying to promote an image of Belfast as a friendly place, but this just belies what people tell you about it.’’

Mr Wilson, a member of the Rev Ian Paisley’s Democratic Unionist Party, also claimed the attack by youths from the staunchly nationalist Short Strand enclave was part of a campaign orchestrated by Sinn Fein for electoral purposes.

The Northern Ireland Assembly member for East Belfast added: ‘‘Sinn Fein just missed out on a seat in this council area the last time, and they want to give the impression that the Short Strand is under siege and create an atmosphere of tension.’’

But Short Strand Sinn Fein representative Joe O’Donnell dismissed his claims as ‘‘absolute nonsense’’.

He asked: ‘‘How could any politician use something of that nature?’’

Although Mr O’Donnell said he found the attack abhorrent, he insisted it could happen in any city and his area should not be singled out.

He also extended an personal invitation to the three victims to re-visit the area in a bid to show the positive aspects.

‘‘If they come and meet with me I will show them the hospitality that can be generated not only in the Short Strand but east Belfast as a whole.’’