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Violence around controversial parades in Northern Ireland could be linked to social disadvantage in communities left behind by the peace process, the region's Chief Constable has said.
Matt Baggott condemned the three nights of rioting in Belfast that left more than 60 officers injured, but welcomed talks aimed at restoring calm ahead of a major loyalist parade planned for later this month.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland chief said he did not underestimate the tensions stirred by disputed marches, but he highlighted underlying problems of poverty and isolation which he said should now be tackled.
His comments came as marchers apologised for any offence caused by the conduct of loyalist bands outside a Catholic church in north Belfast, which was at the centre of the renewed focus on the parades issue.
But the Chief Constable pointed to a deeper problem and said: "I am concerned we have areas in Northern Ireland where, all the indicators are, they are falling behind. The simple (indicator) for that would be suicide rates, or young people's involvement in crime, or the intelligence picture. I think there are things that could be done. Now, that's not a judgement call, I think you can do that when you get to a certain point of devolution and a certain point of political consensus."
He added: "I don't underestimate how people feel so strongly about parades and the need for continued dialogue and consensus, I am not undermining that position. It is really important we work towards (September) 29, and then the dialogue will take place about the future of parading, which is something for the politicians.
"But I think there is an issue here which we have been talking about continually - we have areas of Northern Ireland that have fallen behind.
"They have higher suicide rates, health inequalities, young people growing up without hope, and it is probably an opportune time to take a step back and look again at whether the planning and prioritisation of resources in those neighbourhoods is working.
"Maybe that needs an independent review to take a look at that - that's a matter for the politicians, but it is something that I would certainly give 100% support to, because most people are feeling the difference, but some certainly aren't."
The Chief Constable made his comments as he met members of the Policing Board, where politicians from all quarters voiced their support for the police officers who had to face rioters.
