Martin McGuinness has called for the exploration of common ground to build trust between communities, amid the ongoing violence over the union flag at Belfast City Hall.

The Sinn Féin MLA and deputy First Minister made the comments in an editorial in Friday’s Belfast Telegraph.

He said: "The last few weeks have been bad weeks for the political process, bad weeks for the peace process and bad weeks for the vast majority of people who are absolutely wedded to building a new society on this island."

While he condemned the attacks on houses and police officers, Mr McGuinness said he respected the feeling among loyalists that they were being discriminated against.

"I know from experience what it is like to feel discriminated against, to feel powerless and to feel under threat," he said.

"I have no desire to see any citizen in that position and the political reality is that none should be in that position in 2013.

"There is clearly a very powerful emotional connection between identity and symbols," he continued.

"That is why compromise and dialogue on these issues is so important."

Mr McGuinness added he would "guarantee the right of any citizen here to their British identity".

"Our community is multi-cultural and diverse. That is a good thing and should be celebrated, not ignored or seen as a threat."

But he asked: "How can we expect young loyalists to afford their Catholic and Irish neighbours respect if some MLAs don’t do likewise? I want to hear from unionism what they mean by mutual respect."

Mr McGuinness called for "joint action and joint initiatives."

"This week I have been involved in meetings with all the party leaders," he said.

"I have also met with loyalist representatives and visited the Short Strand. Now I want to see action."

The deputy First Minister concluded: "I am conscious that change can be difficult. And to some change can feel like a loss. But change based upon equality, mutual respect and parity of esteem is a win for us all."

(IT)