IT was Dr Martin Luther King who said: “Returning hate for hate only multiplies hate, adding a deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that’.

We would do well to think on those words today as we look around us at the devastation caused by mindless thugs intent on wrecking and ruining in the name of some warped cause they’ve dreamt up.

What we’ve seen in the past few days – homes and businesses burnt down, terrified families having to be escorted, crying, from their burning homes, doors kicked in, gangs of masked men roaming the streets armed with an ‘any migrant will do’ attitude – has been utterly sickening, disgusting and depressing.

What happened during night of rioting across Northern Ireland?Opens in new window

What is wrong with us? Why are our people so ready to answer dog whistles and express ourselves through the medium of undiluted intolerance, burning Gliders and bricks through windows?

Brian Feeney: The north does not have an immigration problem. It has a racism problem

Alex Kane: You’ve got me all wrong – I’m not a ‘moderate unionist’

© The Irish News