THERE was sharp criticism yesterday of a warning by the DUP deputy leader, Mr Peter Robinson, that unionists were always capable of mustering the greatest numerical force in any situation in the North.
The Alliance Party general secretary, Mr David Ford, described the remark as a threat and said it was disgraceful, coming from a public representative.
Mr Robinson had commented in television interviews on Thursday on the Northern Secretary's decision to ban parades on part of Derry's city walls. He claimed it represented capitulation to a "Sinn Fein threat".
Mr Robinson said the decision set precedents for unionists "because if the Secretary of State is saying that the greater threat will win, then unionists are very capable of being the larger force in any set of circumstances in Northern Ireland".
In a statement condemning this comment, Mr Ford said: "A month ago unionist leaders - from both the Ulster Unionist and DUP - proved their ability to call large numbers of people on to the streets, many of whom subsequently indulged in acts of violence. They proved their ability to overrule the lawfully appointed security forces.
"Mr Robinson does not need to repeat the threat. But at a time like this he should be seeking to reduce tension, not inflame it. Responsible politicians - especially those who proclaim frequently their `loyalty' - have a duty to support the rule of law and to ensure that the peace is kept."