FINLAY CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON RASHARKIN PROTESTANTS

Local DUP Councillor John Finlay has condemned the attack last night on Rasharkin Orange Hall. The hall was attacked with petrol bombs. This comes after the bands parade last night where petrol bombs and missiles, including golf balls were thrown at Police and people attending the bands competition. Furthermore as Cllr John Finlay visited local constituents last night, at around midnight, the windows of his car were smashed.

John Finlay said:

“I condemn the latest attack on Rasharkin Orange Hall last night. This attack demonstrates the motives of local Republicans in the town who are engaging in sectarian acts of violence. The situation in Rasharkin is of grave concern as local Protestants are being threatened and forced out of their homes.” said the DUP councillor.

On the damage down to his car he said:

"Last night at around midnight I was visiting some constituents in Rasharkin to see that they were alright. While I was in one of the houses the windows of my car were smashed. This highlights the problem and concern felt by Protestants in the area. Their houses are being watched and they fear being attacked.

Instead of blaming loyalists Sinn Fein should focus on the problem at hand, and that problem exists within their own community. They just don't want a Protestant about the place. Protestants in the area are fighting a 'battle-a-day'. I call for leadership on behalf of Sinn Fein in seeing that such attacks against the Protestant community are brought to an immediate stop." the local DUP councillor said.