The call from East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle came after the attendance of both DUP and UUP MLAs at last night’s illegal protest at his East Belfast constituency office, also the office of Naomi Long MP and Judith Cochrane MLA, and the site where the attempted murder of a police officer was carried out the night before.
Mr Lyttle said Alliance was demanding clarification, after their attendance appeared to be in direct conflict with statements released by their leaders. Last night’s illegal protest followed a week of serious violence, attempted murder and severe economic consequences across Northern Ireland
Mr Lyttle said: “Did the leaders of the DUP and UUP approve of their MLAs attending an illegal protest that blocked the Upper Newtownards Road last night?
“It is beyond belief that just hours after their leaders called for protests to be suspended or ended, and within 24 hours of a murderous attack on a police officer and ongoing threats to elected representatives, these MLAs attended an illegal protest at the very spot where the attack took place. No elected representative should be attending protests that defy the law.
“The leaders of these parties insist that they cannot control protests, but surely they can at least control their own MLAs?”