Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has condemned the latest attack on Rasharkin Orange Hall. The hall was attacked on Friday night with 'IRA' and 'RIRA' slogans painted over it. This latest attack comes after what could be described as horrendous week in North Antrim where a number of Orange Halls and properties have been targeted.
John Finlay said:
“I call upon the local PSNI to increase patrols and resources in the area in order to protect these halls from further damage. As I said in a statement yesterday these attacks whether they are on Protestants or Catholics should be condemned. They achieve absolutely nothing. I am now very concerned for the safety of Orangemen and Protestants in the area in the run up to the Twelfth. Tensions are very high and people are packing their bags and leaving.
I am losing count of how many times this hall and others have been attacked in the last week and call upon people within the Unionist and loyalist family not to retaliate. Protestants have every right to be here and will not be intimidated. Such people who carry out attacks like these, no matter what side of the fence they belong to are scum and 'sick'. If they have nothing better to contribute to the local community they should leave, rather than innocent people being forced out by their actions.
Our Protestant and Orange Traditions are centuries old and Protestants will not be intimidated out.
I call upon leaders within the Republican community to act now before this situation escalates. I also call on those responsible to be hunted down by the Police and brought before the courts. Anyone with information should come forward.” the DUP Councillor said.
