Taoiseach calls for end to violence in the North

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says it is essential that children in North Belfast should not once again become the innocent victims of local tensions.

Ahern, speaking for the first time since the upsurge in violence, said it is imperative that public representatives in North Belfast play their part in reducing sectarianism in the area.

He also said the Irish Government would continue to monitor the current waves of violence in the North.