Nationalists to rally over Ardoyne school dispute

Nationalists in the Ardoyne are to hold a rally in support of the parents and children of Holy Cross school in the area this morning.

Organisers have asked for churchmen of all denominations and the political leaders of all the main parties to join them.

The move is sure to further infuriate loyalists, who have refused all requests to meet Catholic parents, saying that the anger in their community is such that talks seem a long way off.

The parents group has said it is willing to meet the loyalists at any time and place of their choosing.

Pressure is growing on Northern Secretary John Reid to find a solution to the stand-off as fears grow that the issue could destabilise the Good Friday Agreement.