The Upper Bann MLA said: “I welcome the Secretary of State’s intervention, which should now create the space to get this dispute off the streets and into a political process focused on de-escalation, reconciliation and healing the deep wounds that have been needlessly reopened.
“We were clear from the outset that this entire dispute and the damage it has caused were entirely avoidable: reopening old conflicts is not the way to build for the future.
“This dispute has ruptured community relations and resurrected painful memories. It has exposed how, for the past 28 years, we have been managing division rather than healing it. Our collective focus must now turn to building the better future to which the vast majority of people aspire and safeguarding the progress that has been made in so many communities.
“Drumcree has dominated political debate in recent weeks. As leaders in this community, we must not allow ourselves to be drawn further into the politics of division, recrimination or point-scoring. The priority now must be to rebuild trust, restore confidence and move forward through dialogue.
“People are facing real pressures. Diesel is £2 a litre, health waiting lists are far too long, and families are struggling with the cost of living. All parties must now renew their commitment to working together to address these challenges.
“We each have a responsibility to lower the temperature, rebuild community cohesion and get on with the work of building a shared future.”
“We were clear from the outset that this entire dispute and the damage it has caused were entirely avoidable: reopening old conflicts is not the way to build for the future.
“This dispute has ruptured community relations and resurrected painful memories. It has exposed how, for the past 28 years, we have been managing division rather than healing it. Our collective focus must now turn to building the better future to which the vast majority of people aspire and safeguarding the progress that has been made in so many communities.
“Drumcree has dominated political debate in recent weeks. As leaders in this community, we must not allow ourselves to be drawn further into the politics of division, recrimination or point-scoring. The priority now must be to rebuild trust, restore confidence and move forward through dialogue.
“People are facing real pressures. Diesel is £2 a litre, health waiting lists are far too long, and families are struggling with the cost of living. All parties must now renew their commitment to working together to address these challenges.
“We each have a responsibility to lower the temperature, rebuild community cohesion and get on with the work of building a shared future.”