Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, has said she is determined to continue her efforts to resolve the issue of contentious marches despite the killing yesterday of two RUC men. "I don't give up hope on parades. It is a very difficult time, because this is obviously a very sad evening, but I am going to meet members of all the groups to try to see that sense will prevail," she said.
Dr Mowlam had yesterday morning started a last ditch initiative in an attempt to prevent a repeat of last year's violence. Over the coming days, she intends to meet representatives of marching organisations and residents' groups opposed to parades. Her first meeting took place yesterday morning at Stormont Castle with Belfast representatives of the Apprentice Boys. The Secretary of State made no statement afterwards on the discussions.