SDLP discusses loyalist violence

Homes have been damaged in the attacks in Ahoghill

The SDLP has raised the issue of loyalist violence with government minister Lord Rooker.

The party has already published its own strategy for "dealing with loyalist terrorism".

North Antrim assembly member Sean Farren said they discussed the issue of attacks in the County Antrim village of Ahoghill.

He said the party's "message to the minister was the loyalist ceasefires no longer have any credibility".

The delegation for the meeting on Friday also included Ballymena councillor Declan O'Loan, Alasdair McDonnell and Alex Attwood.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Farren said: "The reality is that loyalists are intimidating the Catholic community and killing in their own community.

"It is absolutely ridiculous when this is going on for the British government to pretend that they have any kind of ceasefire.

"Saying that they are on ceasefire only gives a standing and a status to these thugs that they do not deserve."