Empey condemns school row

The North's Acting First Minister has said there can be no excuse for ongoing protests at a Catholic primary school in north …

The North's Acting First Minister has said there can be no excuse for ongoing protests at a Catholic primary school in north Belfast

As the protest at Holy Cross School in Ardoyne entered its fifth week, balloons filled with liquid and stink bombs were thrown at parents as they went to collect pupils yesterday afternoon.

Speaking after a joint meeting with Acting Deputy First Minister Mr Seamus Mallon to discuss the ongoing unrest in north Belfast, Sir Reg Empey said the Executive had been working behind the scenes for two months to reduce tensions.

Mr Mallon called on both communities to engage in meaningful dialogue.

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Mr Mallon and Mr Empey met local elected representatives yesterday afternoon to discuss the situation.

Parents collecting children from Holy Cross school have complained that police are allowing Protestant protesters on the Ardoyne Road to stand too close to them.

Meanwhile, thousands of pounds worth of damage have been caused at a Protestant primary school in north Belfast. Scores of windows were broken at Ballygolan Primary School on the Serpentine Road over the weekend.