FIRST MINISTER Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have warned that people must not become complacent about what was achieved in the Northern peace process.
They made their comments at Stormont yesterday after meeting to discuss the rioting over the Twelfth period.
There was more trouble on Wednesday and police were on alert last night for disturbances. The trouble, however, was much diminished compared to the serious rioting, particularly by nationalists at Ardoyne, on the Twelfth.
Police were attacked with petrol bombs, bricks, bottles and other missiles in incidents in Portadown, Belfast and Derry on Wednesday, but the trouble was sporadic and much more limited than the disorder on Tuesday.
Mr Robinson said those involved in the trouble had nothing to offer. “As a society I think we have started to get a little careless about how hard won the peace we have had has been,” he added.
“People need to recognise that day and daily. We need to be standing up and ensuring our voices are heard from every section of our community to ensure we retain the peace and stability that we now enjoy,” said Mr Robinson.
Mr McGuinness said the disorder “should shake some people out of their complacency about the peace process”. He again called for the Orange Order to engage in direct talks with nationalists.
Mr McGuinness offered to talk to the order and said if the organisation had difficulty speaking to Sinn Féin they could meet him and Mr Robinson under the auspices of the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
“All of those people who think it is a good idea not to talk need to get real and recognise the sort of headlines we are receiving is something that should force and compel them to re-examine their position,” Mr McGuinness added.
