Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore condemns unrest in Northern Ireland

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D., has expressed concern at the further attacks on police officers last night and the ongoing  disruption to civic life in Northern Ireland. 

"This violence is being orchestrated" he said "and those behind it are known criminals, intent on creating chaos.  This has nothing to do with real issues around flags and identity in a shared society which are the subject of intensive political discussions at present". 

The Tánaiste has spoken with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers and with the leaders of the political parties in recent days. He shared concerns with First Minister Peter Robinson yesterday. The Tánaiste will review developments when he meets the Secretary of State and the First and Deputy First Minister next week.

Press Office

12 January 2013