Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin today called on political and community leaders to work for calm for the sake of those living in interface areas of Belfast.
Belfast Lord Mayor Tom Ekin
He said it was time for everyone in Northern Ireland to take a step back in a bid to reduce tensions ahead of the summer.
"We are in a very dangerous time following the failure to reach a political settlement before Christmas, the speculation about the Northern Bank robbery, the callous murder of Robert McCartney, the upcoming elections and the onset of the parading season," Mr Ekin said.
He added that he had been speaking to those in the front line of interface areas and they were fearful because it was they who always bore the brunt when tensions spilled on to the streets.
"It is vital that politicians during election campaigning do not stoke up the tensions and instead try to cool them. They have the power to do that," he said.
Mr Ekin said politicians should avoid trying deliberate provocations of opponents or knee jerk reactions to things they do not like.
"We have had too many years of intolerance, of stimulating fear, of not accepting responsibility for actions. "It is a failed formula and we should focus on messages of hope, tolerance, open mindedness and progress. Surely this isn't too much to ask," he said.