Trimble warning on summer rioting

The Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble, has warned that rioting at sectarian flashpoints this summer could help destroy efforts to restore the North's Assembly by October.

Mr Trimble is discussing the situation today with the Progressive Unionist Party, which is linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force.

The Loyalist marching season, which gets underway in the next few weeks, lasts right through the summer, culminating in the Royal Black Preceptory parades in August.

In recent years the marching season has been blighted by serious disturbances.

Loyalist politicians linked to the paramilitary groups say they are trying to ensure this summer is a peaceful one.

And David Trimble said today that if serious trouble did break out, it could destroy efforts to restore devolved government at Stormont. He said Republicans had a responsibility to reciprocate, and to try to keep their areas calm.

The Assembly was suspended last month after the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, decided that the IRA had to do more to prove that the military campaign was over.

Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly welcomed the talks between the Loyalists and the Ulster Unionists, saying it was a positive step.