Stay calm, Adams urges republicans

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams today appealed to members of his community not to do anything which would escalate tensions during what is likely to be a difficult marching season.

Following another weekend of street clashes between young republicans and the police, the West Belfast MP said: ‘‘I would appeal to everyone regardless of their political position who is annoyed, frustrated, agitated by what is happening at the moment across all political factions to stay calm and desist from anything which could add to tension.

‘‘Politicians have a responsibility in how we temper our language but those young people who may feel very strongly about what is going on also have to ease back.

‘‘I would particularly appeal to people who are nationalists or republicans, wherever they live, whether in the city of Belfast or in Derry or in Fermanagh, to take a big picture view of what is happening.

‘‘Every little incident and every big incident is being seized upon by those who want this process to come down.

‘‘Nationalists and republicans who profess support for the process have to be serious nationalists and republicans and remain calm and disciplined.’’

Mr Adams was speaking after members of his party’s youth wing Ogra Sinn Fein were accused of donning masks and pelting a rural police station in Rosslea in Co Fermanagh yesterday.

Nationalists also clashed with police in west Belfast on Saturday after an Orange Order parade passed through Springfield Road.

There were also early morning clashes in the interface in east Belfast on Saturday, with police coming under attack from nationalists, and loyalists’ houses also being damaged.

Sinn Fein claimed the trouble in the Short Strand area erupted as a result of loyalist attacks across the peace line.

Belfast was today tense as the city prepared for a number of Orange marches commemorating the Battle of the Somme.

Northern Ireland was also awaiting a Parades Commission ruling on the annual Drumcree march in Portadown, Co Armagh.

Unionists have accused republicans of orchestrating street violence in recent weeks in Belfast.

Their concerns are expected to dominate talks later this week in Hillsborough involving the pro-Good Friday Agreement parties, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Mr Adams was also due to discuss the current situation on the streets with the Taoiseach during talks at the Dail later today.