Trimble condemns nationalist reaction

Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble tonight accused nationalist politicians of a “hysterical reaction” to his party position on paramilitary violence and his threat to pull the party out of the power-sharing government at Stormont in three months unless there is action from the IRA.

The North's First Minister launched his attack during a meeting with grassroots party members in east Belfast – scene of much recent intersectarian violence.

He said Northern Ireland needed to assess the political position calmly rather than “pander to republicanism” and their analysis of the situation.

"The credibility of the political process in the province had to be restored," said Mr Trimble.

“We need to see a response to the disgraceful loyalist violence , but furthermore, we need a whole scale attitude change on the part of nationalist Ireland, particularly Sinn Fein-IRA, if they want to build peace with unionism,” he added.