AS tensions continue to heighten throughout the North, politicians in Leinster House have privately expressed the view that any words they litter now could inflame the situation.
Fianna Fail refused to make any official comment, with sources indicating that any statement now might be used to justify more violence.
However, the leader of the Progressive Democrats, Ms Mary Harney, said serious consideration must be given to banning all marches and parades in Northern Ireland. She accused unionist leaders, with the exception of the Ulster Unionist Party MP, Mr Ken Maginnis, of displaying "an appalling lack of leadership" and fanning the flames of unrest.
"In the wake of the events of the last 72 hours, there is no option now but for the RUC to put a stop to these parades of provocation. They have the potential to shatter any hopes of a peaceful future in Northern Ireland," she said.
If such disturbances occurred in Liverpool or Glasgow, the police authorities would ensure they would never be repeated.
Ms Harney said most of these parades began and ended in churches. If church leaders ensured that their doors were shut, "we wouldn't have the problem we have on our hands now", she said.
She was "sickened" by the fire bomb attacks on some Catholic homes and schools, which smacked of ethnic cleansing.
Mr Joe Costello, the Labour Party TD who was part of an Oireachtas delegation that visited Drumcree as an observer last weekend, said political and religious leaders should "show the way forward and lead their flocks from the brink".