Adams urges calm as street clashes continue

Sinn Féin president Mr Gerry Adams today appealed to the nationalist community not to do anything which would escalate tensions during what is likely to be a difficult marching season.

Mr Gerry Adams

Following another weekend of street clashes between young republicans and the police, the West Belfast MP said: "I would appeal to everyone regardless of their political position who is annoyed, frustrated, agitated by what is happening at the moment across all political factions to stay calm and desist from anything which could add to tension.

Mr Adams who due to discuss the current situation on the streets with the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, during talks at Government Buildings today.

"Politicians have a responsibility in how we temper our language but those young people who may feel very strongly about what is going on also have to ease back.

"I would particularly appeal to people who are nationalists or republicans, wherever they live, whether in the city of Belfast or in Derry or in Fermanagh, to take a big picture view of what is happening.

Mr Adams was speaking after members of Sinn Féin’s youth wing were accused of attacking a rural police station in Rosslea in Co Fermanagh yesterday.

Nationalists also clashed with police in west Belfast on Saturday after an Orange Order parade passed through Springfield Road.

Politicians have a responsibility in how we temper our language but those young people who may feel very strongly about what is going on also have to ease back Mr Gerry Adams

There were also early morning clashes in the interface in east Belfast on Saturday, with police coming under attack from nationalists, and loyalists' houses also being damaged.

Sinn Fein claimed the trouble in the Short Strand area erupted as a result of loyalist attacks across the peace line.

Belfast was today tense as the city prepared for a number of Orange marches commemorating the Battle of the Somme.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Mr David Trimble added his voice to calls for calm on the streets.

Ahead of a number of Orange Parades including tonight's "mini-twelfth" in Belfast, Mr Trimble appealed for marchers not to allow themselves to be provoked.

He said: "I would also appeal to any who don't regard parades with favour for them to be restrained and to be tolerant." PA