Unionist leaders need to give more positive leadership to their community amid changes brought about by the Belfast Agreement, a debate on the Northern Ireland peace process was told tonight.
SDLP leader Mr Mark Durkan and Sinn Fein MP Mr Conor Murphy both criticised unionist leaders over the stewardship of their community during the peace process during a debate in Trinity College, Dublin, featuring Northern Ireland Secretary Mr Peter Hain and Democratic Unionist MP Mr Jeffrey Donaldson.
Mr Durkan said recent disturbances in working class loyalist communities in Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland were not so much about concessions to republicans.
"Firstly, if it was a cry for anything, it was a cry for leadership," the Foyle MP said.
