Unionist leaders urged to condemn violence

Leaders in the North's unionist community must clearly condemn the weekend’s loyalist riots minister for Justice Michael McDowell said today.

He also reiterated his support for PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde’s efforts to protect life and property.

A spokesman for Mr McDowell said the Minister condemned the campaign of intimidation against the family of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney last January.

“It is especially important that key opinion makers on the loyalist side, including elected political representatives in the two main unionist parties should be vocal and unequivocal in their condemnation of the widespread disorder witnessed in Belfast.”

Mr McDowell was speaking after meeting with am Ulster Unionist party delegation led by Reg Empey in Dublin.