Police 'not doing enough to stop loyalist attacks'

Police are not doing enough to prevent loyalist attacks on Catholics in Belfast, it was claimed today.

The deputy chairman of the Policing Board, Denis Bradley, said the police had to take action against paramilitaries in order to protect the nationalist community.

‘‘It is not acceptable and there has not been enough done by the police and by the security situation to actually protect, take on and deal with people like the UDA who are not necessarily doing any of this for political reasons, but appear to be doing it for reasons that are about lifestyle, money, territory and power within their own community,’’ he said.

Northern Ireland Secretary John Reid announced yesterday in the House of Commons that the Attorney General is to examine police powers, bail arrangements and the scope for additional criminal offences to combat violence and terrorism.

However, the Human Rights Commission has claimed there is no law the British government can bring in to end sectarian violence.

The head of the commission, Brice Dickson, said the necessary legislation was already in place and just needed to be properly enforced.

‘‘We already have a range of offences on the statute book - public order offences, riotous assembly, affray, not to mention the more serious crimes of murder which need to be enforced,’’ he said.

‘‘And until I, or the commission, see specific recommendations from the Attorney General or the government, we won’t be able to say whether there is a need for any of these additional police powers or offences.’’

His view was echoed by Deputy First Minister Mark Durkan, who said that during times of sectarian problems, he had always called for a policy of protection and prosecution.

He said: ‘‘A lot more can be done under existing laws. The Secretary of State talked about the Attorney General bringing in new laws but people need to see more effective protection, need to see more done to prevent attacks that are ongoing.

‘‘That can be done by the enforcement of existing laws.’’

The SDLP leader added: ‘‘It must also be remembered that if you bring in new laws that can also take some time.’’

The funeral took place today of the North's most recent sectarian murder victim.

Gerard Lawlor, 19, was shot dead by the loyalist Ulster Freedom Fighters as he made his way home from a pub in north Belfast on Sunday night.

Major demonstrations against sectarianism are planned across the North next week to express revulsion at the murder.