THE chief executive of the Port of Derry, Mr Stan McIlvenney, has said he was disappointed but not surprised at the decision by passengers on the cruise liner, the Southern Cross, to cancel plans to berth at Derry last weekend.

"It's another blow to the local economy following the disgraceful scenes in the city over the past few days," Mr McIlvenney said.

The ship had been due to make its second call to the city on Sunday following what was described as a highly successful visit last year.

Mr McIlvenney said he felt particularly sorry for the members of Derry City Council "who have worked so hard to bring tourists to the city".

Mr Nick Lyne, operations manager for CTC Cruise Lines, said that for many of the 850 passengers the call to Derry was to have been the highlight of the six day cruise.

But the disturbances in the city had led to growing concern among passengers, and it was their decision not to go ahead with the visit, Mr Lyne said.