Nights of violent unrest in Belfast

Northern Ireland has been gripped by two nights of sectarian violence. During the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, as many as 700 people caused “serious disorder,” in a small Catholic community in a predominantly Protestant area of Belfast, with shots being fired on both sides and injuries from both incendiary devices and firearms being reported. Catholic leaders said the violence was unprovoked, but Protestant leaders said the Protestant mob appeared to be retaliating for smaller-scale attacks by youths on Protestant homes the night before.

Robin Wilson is an independent analyst who told us the role of civil society has been key in curbing violence. “The most effective thing over the years in stopping paramilitary violence has been when the trade unions have pulled large numbers of people onto the streets… That has had a positive affect,” he said, adding, “there is no easy answer to this.” Listen to Robin Wilson's remarks...