Finlay Condemns Spate Attacks on Orange Halls in North Antrim
DUP Ballymoney Councillor John Finlay has condemned those who were responsible for the lastest petrol bomb attack on Lavin Orange Hall, North Antrim.
This attack comes after a series of similar attacks have occured this week in the North Antrim area.
On Tuesday John Finlay spoke out against these attacks and put the blame at the door of Sinn Fein who he argued refused to stand up and be counted in facing down those within their community responsible for these attacks.
"Two days later and yet another attack on an Orange Hall in North Antrim. When is this going to stop?
I totally condemn the actions of those responsible for this latest attack and call on Sinn Fein to stand up to those within their community who are responsible.
Whilst Sinn Fein may come out and condemn this latest attack, once forced to, they fail to grasp the problem by the head and hunt out those within their own community responsible for this upsurge of Republican violence in the run up to the Twelfth. What are they doing about these acts of sectarianism? They seek to put the blame on loyalists and Unionists as well as Orangemen for no other reason than living in the area.
These attacks are completely unacceptable and must stop. I call on loyalists not to retaliate as this will only play into the hands of Republicans and provide an excuse for violence.
I call for the PSNI to step up patrols in the run up to the Twelfth and to ensure the safety of Protestants and Unionists living in Republican dominated communities." Councillor Finlay added.
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