Parents of pupils at the Holy Cross Primary School in North Belfast have had talks with Northern Secretary Dr John Reid this morning. Loyalist protestors stood in silence as the children were brought to school under police escort, but jeered and shouted abuse as the parents returned.
They then headed for Hillsborough, County Down to meet with Dr Reid, who met the Loyalist residents last week. The protest is now in its third week.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said that the parents are willing to enter talks with the residents. "The residents are looking at some sort of mechanism to get these talks as a matter of urgency. Everyone knows this cannot go on," said Mr Kelly.
Progressive Unionist Party MLA Billy Hutchinson believes that there will be talks with the residents by the weekend. "All politicians are calling for talks to happen. I think it can't be ended until the two communities come together. If this ends without a solution there will be no security for the people in this area," said Mr Hutchinson.
