New proposals to ease summer tensions in Belfast

Northern Ireland security minister Ian Pearson is being asked to consider new proposals aimed at easing summer tensions on Belfast’s peaceline.

He is due to have talks at Stormont later today with a Sinn Féin delegation which will outline party plans to try to keep the city free of violence.

Details will be released later, but as he prepared for the meeting deputy Lord Mayor Joe O’Donnell said: “We want everybody to buy into this template document so we can work towards putting in place a situation to relieve the pressures and stress.”

East and north Belfast Democratic Unionist MPs Peter Robinson and Nigel Dodds as well as the Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, the MP for west Belfast, have already called for calm during July and August. Loyalist representatives also called for no violence at sectarian interfaces.

Last summer was one of the most peaceful ever, following appeals for restraint on both sides of the peaceline, but with the traditional march season peaking in a month’s time Secretary of State Paul Murphy and the Chief Constable Hugh Orde are looking for leadership within the two communities to make sure there is no renewal of the appalling street violence which once paralysed areas like the nationalist Short Strand and loyalist lower Shankill.

Tourism chiefs in Northern Ireland also fear fresh violence at Drumcree, which has been comparatively peaceful for the last two years, could have a devastating impact on business. The Orange Order parade is due there on July 4.

Mr O’Donnell added: “Our contribution will be constructive and it is our hope there will be reciprocation. We are not the only people who have a role to play. It is up to everyone to make sure this is a peaceful, and enjoyable summer.”