The North's Security Minister, Mr Adam Ingram, has been urged to tackle the ongoing problem of sectarian attacks in the North, particularly on Catholic homes in Larne, Antrim, Belfast and Banbridge, Co Down.
An SDLP delegation which met Mr Ingram yesterday stressed the need for the British government to treat the incidents seriously and requested that effective measures be taken to stop the attacks. In a statement, Mr Ingram said he shared the SDLP's concerns and emphasised his understanding of the deep-rooted nature of the problem. He condemned the attacks as "utterly indefensible and evil" and said he would discuss the issue with the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, to seek his views on ways to tackle the problem.
Mr Danny O'Connor, the SDLP Assembly member for East Antrim, a member of the delegation, is experiencing loyalist intimidation in Larne. His family home was recently attacked with bricks and a petrol bomb was thrown in the driveway. The following night a pipe bomb was put through his brother's letterbox in a nearby flat complex.
SDLP Assembly member for Lagan Valley, Ms Patricia Lewsley, said the attacks were a very serious problem, which directly affected the lives of far too many people in the North.
The Sinn Fein Assembly member for North Belfast, Mr Gerry Kelly, yesterday accused unionist politicians of being obsessed with decommissioning while ignoring "campaigns to drive Catholics from towns such as Larne".