The activities of loyalist paramilitaries over a long period, but especially over the course of the summer, have also been a cause of deep concern. Interface tensions and violence have been at a heightened level. There is no denying it was a difficult summer. The people of the Short Strand and Larne, and Nationalists living in many other areas throughout Northern Ireland have had to live with terrible, prolonged and consistent sectarian attacks. Recent attacks have been especially appalling. Senators will be well aware of those from the national media.