Sinn Fein Mayor urges parades calm

Belfast’s first Sinn Fein Lord Mayor today appealed for calm on the eve of Northern Ireland’s biggest Orange demonstration.

As tensions in the city reach boiling point in anticipation of the traditional Twelfth of July parades, Alex Maskey said he was concerned there could be widespread street violence.

Mr Maskey today met representatives from nationalist and unionist parties to urge them to use their influence to prevent trouble in interface areas.

“I’m aware that there is concern and worry out in our community and that there is perhaps a dangerous of cocktail of circumstances out there.

“I’m urging people to exercise political leadership by asking for calm and restraint.