SF call on DUP to condemn loyalist attacks

Sinn Féin today challenged the Rev Ian Paisley to stop sectarian attacks by loyalist paramilitaries on Catholics in the North.

The lack of unionist condemnation of the violence was only worsening the situation, Sinn Féin claimed.

The party published a dossier today detailing 85 loyalist attacks since June and said they were sending copies to both the British and Irish Governments.

North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said unionist political leaders needed to speak out vociferously against the violence. "By their inaction they are encouraging these attacks," he said.

"A heavy responsibility rests with Ian Paisley and the DUP because they are the leaders of the unionist community."

"Pretending that [loyalist violence] is a reaction to the IRA or that it is not happening at all is no longer tenable. There is no excuse at the moment," said Mr Kelly.

The loyalist paramilitaries were engaged in sectarian attacks on Catholics, their homes, churches and businesses in addition to the well publicised feud between the Ulster Volunteer Force and the Loyalist Volunteer Force, he said.

He said unionist politicians' refusal to engage in dialogue with nationalists despite the IRA's latest commitment to peace was only exacerbating the situation.