This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-24359712
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Loyalists who attack police 'grotesque' - Theresa Villiers | Loyalists who attack police 'grotesque' - Theresa Villiers |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The NI Secretary has said the idea that British identity and culture can be defended by people wrapped in a union flag attacking the police is grotesque. | The NI Secretary has said the idea that British identity and culture can be defended by people wrapped in a union flag attacking the police is grotesque. |
Theresa Villiers made the comments in her speech to the Conservative Party conference on Wednesday. | |
She also said NI cannot reach its full economic potential while sectarian division and violence continues. | |
Ms Villiers used the conference address to condemn loyalists and republicans who use violence. | |
"It is hard to see how Northern Ireland can reach it's full economic potential while sectarian division continues to spill out onto the streets with disgraceful scenes of rioting and violence. | |
"Let me be clear on this, the idea that British identity and culture can be defended by people who wrap themselves in the union flag and attack police officers with bricks, blast bombs and ceremonial swords is grotesque." | |
On the Richard Haass multi-party talks which deal with flags, emblems, parades and the past, she said progress will be painful but it will require real leadership. | |
"It's right that politicians take ownership of these decisions if we're to have lasting solutions. I don't underestimate the task ahead," said Ms Villiers. | |
Addressing the economy, she told the conference that business activity in Northern Ireland is up. | |
"There are now signs that the economy is recovering. | |
"Business activity is up… unemployment is down… and the property market is starting to stabilise." | |
She also referred to the G8 summit that took place in Fermanagh and will say it showed off Northern Ireland as a great place to work and invest. |