Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ni Chuilín has called on the DUP to publicly condemn violent sectarian banners erected in East Belfast by the UVF.

The North Belfast MLA said:

“Despicable sectarian banners promoting violence have been erected in East Belfast by the UVF.

“In just the past week loyalist gangs have intimidated the DUP’s electoral opponents, erected banners targeting John Finucane and his family, and are now issuing public threats of violence.

“It is clear that the UVF and other loyalist paramilitaries are emboldened. 

“It is of note that this criminality is taking place as the DUP continue to cosy up to these groups in the mouth of an election.

“I am calling on the DUP to unequivocally condemn these banners, the thugs who erected them, and the spate of recent criminality carried out by these gangs.”