“The violence witnessed tonight in South Belfast is totally wrong and unacceptable.
Many of those engaged in the violence are not local and many in the local community are expressing their unhappiness at the rioting.
People are angry and frustrated, Over the course of the last year Councillor Tracy Kelly and I have raised many issues affecting communities in South Belfast, which Government bodies have largely ignored. Acts of violence and destruction of the area which we are trying to get investment into is totally counterproductive.
Working people are being driven out of the community because housing is unaffordable and unattainable. Essential services such as access to GPs and dentists are incredibly difficult to access.
It is essential that we meet the needs of people who have lived in an area for generations. This will only be achieved through engagement, and by Government bodies listening and acting to meet those needs. Violence will solve nothing.”