Durkan accuses unionist leaders

Mark Durkan said unionist leaders sent out the wrong signals

The SDLP leader has said that both unionist parties "have allowed loyalist paramilitaries to take the lead over policing and parades".

Mark Durkan rejected DUP demands for a "root and branch" review of the Parades Commission.

He accused Ian Paisley and Sir Reg Empey of "almost soliciting trouble" before last weekend's re-routed Orange Order Whiterock parade.

The parade was followed by several days of protests and riots.

'Violence'

Mr Durkan, speaking on the BBC's Inside Politics programme, said he did not believe that the terms used by Sir Reg had made his position clear.

"It was, I believe, that the rhetoric used by himself and Ian Paisley, even in advance of last weekend, almost solicited the sort of violence we had," he said.

"It effectively sent the signal, do your worst and we won't blame you, we'll blame the police, the Parades Commission and the secretary of state."