SF holds talks with Loyalist Commission

Sinn Fein Assemblyman Gerry Kelly held a private meeting with the chairman of the Loyalist Commission to discuss ways to end sectarian tension in Belfast, it emerged today.

The meeting between Mr Kelly and Presbyterian Minister Mervyn Gibson took place two days ago and lasted for more than an hour.

Sinn Fein had sought such a meeting for some time and sources today described the talks as 'frank'.

Mr Kelly apparently challenged the loyalist view that the republican movement was involved in fomenting sectarian attacks in north and east Belfast.

The Loyalist Commission is an umbrella group representing Protestant clergymen, unionist politicians and loyalist paramilitaries.

It was established ostensibly to promote dialogue instead of violence, but Sinn Fein believes the group gives credibility to loyalist claims that their violent campaign is a response to republican aggression.

Tuesday’s meeting between the two sides is being seen as a step towards defusing tensions in Belfast and both parties apparently agreed to meet again in the future.