THE hearts of everyone who wants peace in Ireland will be heavy today.

Scenes of violence continued last night in Belfast after Unionist anger had got out of hand about the refusal of the RUC to allow Orangemen at Drumcree to parade past nationalist areas in Portadown.

There are fears that the stand-off could erupt into full-scale violence after the death of a Catholic taxi driver. Talks on the future of Ulster are on hold after the main Unionist parties pulled out until the Portadown row is resolved.

But talks have got to continue. Violence will never achieve peace in Ulster. That has been proved time and time again.

There are extremists on both sides who want to use any excuse to stir up hatred. They should be condemned by the leaders of all parties and talks should continue.

The situation is not helped by the likes of Ian Paisley telling the Orangemen that their protest is taking effect throughout Northern Ireland. The only effect it is having is to foster tension and more violence.

If he does not want to talk peace, he should keep quiet and let others speak for the majority of the people of Northern Ireland, who are sick of living in fear.

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