Portadown District LOL No.1

Media News 2008

Republican campaign bid to apply pressure on Assembly

Outrage at Orange attacks

Republicans have stepped up attacks on Orange halls to apply pressure on the political structures following the return of the Assembly, it was claimed yesterday, Ulster Unionist deputy leader Danny Kennedy said in the past attacks on Orange halls had been mainly focused on isolated rural areas but has now switched to those in predominantly Protestant communities.

"The recent spate of attacks appear o be strategically organised and are focused on Orange halls in almost exclusively Protestant areas," he said.

"I think that's a dedicated attempt ay republicans to provoke a reaction from the Orange constituency." Mr Kennedy said he believed the recent spate of arson attacks was politically motivated.

"I think they are probably also focused on politics, in order to put pressure on the political institutions," he said.

"More Orange halls are being attacked now that the DUP and Sinn Fein are sharing power. It's a very dangerous situation."

Strongly condemning the attacks, he went on: "We are demanding action from the Government, greater activity from the PSNI and a genuine attempt on behalf of nationalists and republicans to give the information to the police which will help apprehend those responsible." Tandragee councillor and Orangeman Paul Berry expressed his "utter disgust" at the New Year's Day arson attacks.

"With the Twelfth of July to be held in Tandragree this year, there is clearly an orchestrated attempt to try and heighten tensions and attack our culture,” he said.

DUP Upper Bann MP David Simpson said the authorities needed to act swiftly,

"The Government recently reaffirmed its promise to address the matter of insurance and in the early part of this year, “ he said.

"That must be expedited. Those who carry out such attacks must see those halls being rebuilt bigger and better than before,"

Security Minister Paul Goggins said the Orange Order should be able to carry out their activities with-out fear and intimidation and with-out the disruption that results from these attacks.

"The compensation issue is the subject of ongoing and detailed discussions with a real effort being made to ensure the existing system operates more effectively,” Mr Goggins said, "It is also vital that we work together to try to prevent these attacks from occurring in the first place."

Alliance leader David Ford said those who attack Orange halls and GAA facilities are targeting the whole community and are trying to tear it apart.

Mr Ford said: "I am deeply appalled that the sectarian hate campaign against Orange halls is still continuing," he added.

"A very small number of potentially dissident republican elements are trying to cause instability because they cannot stomach peace. We must not let them succeed."

It is understood that many people in the area believe dissident republicans to be behind the attacks.

The police last night hit out at the two arson attacks. "The PSNI condemns attacks and criminal damage on all property irrespective of where it occurs or which community is the victim," a spokesman said.

"We are aware of the concerns expressed by the Orange Order and want to assure them that we view these attacks seriously."

The Chief Constable and his senior management team have met with Orange Order representatives to address their concerns.

"Several local meetings have also been held between area commanders and local LOL representatives and it is anticipated that local Orange hall caretakers in these areas will receive a crime prevention advice lecture from their local crime prevention officer," said the spokesman.

Anyone who has information on the attacks is asked to contact the PSNI. 3rd January 2008 News Letter

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