Judith Cochrane MLA said: “This violence cannot continue. People want to go about their daily lives, but are really angry at the disruption they have faced in recent weeks.
“These protests and violence are doing untold damage to traders and businesses and Northern Ireland’s image is being tarnished. What we need to do is to show the rest of the world that Northern Ireland is open for business otherwise potential investors will take their jobs elsewhere.
“All politicians should unequivocally condemn this violence and make no attempt to justify the actions of those behind it from either side. This violence has shown the deep rooted divisions that still exist in our society. We must see action to deliver a truly shared future. This can only be done through working together to seek shared solutions, not through the establishment of groups which seek to exclude those whose viewpoint may differ from yours.
“My thoughts and concerns are with the injured police officers who were doing their job working on behalf of the whole community.”
ENDS