Irish Examiner view: Posturing harks back to bad old days of Troubles

Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Arlene Foster, has to take at least some responsibility for the riots and violence seen on the streets of Derry and other urban centres in the North over the past few days

PSNI Tactical Support Group officers in attendance at the Loyalist Nelson Drive Estate in the Waterside of Derry on Monday. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

When a police service comes under sustained verbal assault from a government leader, it is little wonder it will also come under physical assault from divisive and criminal elements.

Given her repeated demands for the resignation of PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster must take at least some responsibility for the riots and violence seen on the streets of Derry and other parts of the North, no matter how many times she says she stands with the police facing assault.