Statement from the Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Mike Nesbitt MLA and First Minister and DUP Leader Rt Hon Peter Robinson MLA
In the past two weeks, because of our concern that protests may lead to violence or civil disturbance, we have asked organisers to suspend their protests. It remains our view that the cause is best served by moving beyond protest and to a political solution. We are especially conscious of any impact on the business community in the vital weeks leading up to Christmas and wish to ensure that their business is not affected by either protests or the fear of disruption.
For our part we share the stated aim of the protests to defend the Union Flag. We not only acknowledge but defend people’s right to lawfully protest and have indicated that if, in spite of our advice, protests are organised by others and where our representatives are certain that a protest will be conducted in a completely peaceful and lawful manner, it is a matter for their own judgment as to whether or not they should attend.
In addition where, as has been the case on a number of occasions, the police have asked our representatives to seek to play a role in ensuring that a protest remains lawful, we support them carrying out such a function.
As political leaders our task is to ensure that we find a political solution to the problems that we face and to ensure peace and stability for the people of Northern Ireland.
On Monday we will complete our brief consultation with some of the key interested parties in the unionist community. Following that, we will agree a way forward which will facilitate the announcement of a new initiative, involving people from across the unionist community, that will chart a positive way ahead to address many of the issues of concern that have been raised in recent days.
We also intend to engage constructively with other parties outside the unionist community with a view to making progress in shaping a better future for us all. We believe that it is in the interest of the entire community that the difficulties of the past few weeks are resolved to the satisfaction of everyone.