HUNDREDS of people attended a solidarity rally in the New Lodge area of north Belfast last night, following serious violence linked to a controversial bonfire.
The message `Not In Our Name' resounded as Sinn Féin elected representatives and community workers from the area detailed a list of community projects which had been introduced to support those living in the staunchly republican district.
An 18-year-old man was left in a critical condition after being stabbed when fighting broke out close to the bonfire site at Victoia Parade last Thursday.
Three PSNI officers were also injured after coming under attack from a crowd hurling missiles in the hours before the bonfire was lit ahead of the anniversary of the introduction of the policy of internment without trial of suspected republican paramilitaries in 1971.
Police abandoned an operation to remove the structure amid concerns innocent bystanders could be hurt in the disorder.
The violence has been widely condemned.
Paul Roberts of Ashton Community Trust praised the people of the New Lodge for their support for each other.
Among the high-profile Sinn Féin party members leading the rally were north Belfast assembly members and former ministers Gerry Kelly and Caral Ni Chuilin.
They were also joined by west Belfast Sinn Féin representatives, with the party saying the large crowd was there "in solidarity with the community and residents who have borne the brunt of anti-social activity associated with the bonfire".
Ms Ni Chuilin told the crowd: "We will work to make sure never again will there be a bonfire in this area, people don't want it."
Sinn Féin had called on members across the city to attend its rally in an internal message which warned "we need to be seen being proactive in this case, if not, it could cost us votes."
