The Northern Ireland Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, yesterday condemned the continuing violence in Portadown. He was speaking after yet another night of clashes involving the security forces and loyalists in the Edgarstown area of the town.
At least nine RUC officers and several civilians, including a pregnant woman, were injured during Thursday night disturbances. At least a dozen petrol bombs and powerful fireworks were thrown at police vehicles.
The RUC responded by firing one baton round into loyalist crowds. Eight people were arrested during the violence.
Mr Ingram said: "This kind of behaviour and the politics it represents has been rejected by the vast majority of the people in Northern Ireland. The people who launch cowardly attacks on the police bring nothing but shame on themselves and any cause they support."
The Minister said the government would "continue to facilitate dialogue" aimed at resolving the Drumcree impasse.
Louise Flanagan adds: Mr Ingram said yesterday the British government might breach its own pay scales in its search to find a new police ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
He said ministers were determined to get the right person who could "secure the confidence of both public and police".
The "high-profile and sensitive" position replaces the existing Northern Ireland Police Complaints Commission, due to be abolished next year.
The post of Police Ombudsman was advertised last year. The Secretary of State, Dr Mo Mowlam, and Mr Ingram interviewed the leading contenders.
None matched the requirements drawn up by the ministers, although he stressed they were of a high standard.
Mr Ingram said the British government hopes to appoint the Police Ombudsman-designate in August or September.
However, he said, much will depend on the number of applicants, the availability of candidates for interview and the date on which the successful applicant can take up the post, by royal appointment, he added.
While the salary on offer is attractive, Mr Ingram said, it would be open to negotiation to the right candidate.
The successful Police Ombudsman-designate will be "fully appointed" next year when the Independent Commission for Police Complaints is abolished under the terms of the Belfast Agreement.