DUP Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has condemned the attack on Tullaghans Orange Hall in Ballymoney discovered on Saturday evening. It was thought that the attack on this hall is linked to the attack on Granagh Independent Orange Hall on the early hours of Saturday morning.
Granagh Independent Orange hall was attacked with a tractor and tracks were found beside Tullaghans Orange Hall on Saturday evening.
John has described these attacks as “blatantly sectarian” and as being the actions of individuals out to stir tensions in the area.
He has called upon Sinn Fein and local MLA Daithi McKay to act to stop such acts of sectarianism and said that people should be under no illusion as to who is responsible for these waves of attacks in the area.
Speaking today John said:
“This latest attack on Tullaghans Orange Hall is a blatant act of sectarianism. Their actions are not welcomed by the majority of people living in the area.
Orange Halls in the Rasharkin and Dunloy area have been under increased attack this year as local Republicans seek to heighten anxieties. Halls have been attacked in Rasharkin as well as Dunloy with petrol and paint bombs as well as covered in sectarian threatening graffiti. Homes of Protestants have also been attacked and Protestants have been chased out. Orange men and bands members have also been the victims of violent abuse.
The use of a large mechanical machine demonstrates great determination of local Republicans to create maximum destruction. Some people just do not want a Protestant about the place.
People should be under no illusion as to who is responsible for creating tensions in the area. Attacks on Protestants in the area have been astronomical.
I call for leadership to be offered by the local Republican community, particularly Sinn Fein. These events have been happening under their watch and if they are truly committed to a ‘Shared Future’ then they would offer leadership and maturity in preventing attacks and reducing tensions.
I call for anyone with information to come forward to the Police.
People like this deserve to be behind bars.” said the DUP councillor.
