OFFENSIVE new graffiti is exacerbating inter community tension in the North, particularly in towns and villages where there have been confrontations over contentious parades.
Tourists and local people are concerned and uneasy at this visible evidence of sectarian hatred, which remains disturbingly evident long after the situation on the ground has settled.
The Alliance Party chief whip, Alderman Sean Neeson, yesterday called on the statutory agencies to remove these "nakedly sectarian graffiti" which have appeared recently on walls and roads.
Mr Neeson said in a statement: "Slogans such as `Taigs out' or `Prods out' cannot be tolerated in so called civilised society and I am convinced that they do not reflect the views of the vast majority of residents in the areas where they appear.
"Apart from being blatantly offensive to people's religious beliefs, they also lower the tone of the areas for the residents who live there, and many feel powerless to do anything about this type of mindless vandalism."
Although residents' groups opposing Orange marches in various areas have strongly condemned any sectarian threats or intimidation of Protestant residents, they seem unable to prevent or deal with the painting of offensive slogans.
Other favoured targets are the Orange halls - the one in Dunloy, Co Antrim, was daubed before last week's Apprentice Boys' parade with the message: "No Marches this year boys - Ha Ha."