Media News 2007
 
 
 

"A blatant display of sectarian hatred"

DUP First Minister Ian Paisley last night said he was deeply concerned about attacks on Orange halls which have the hallmarks of a blatant sectarian hate campaign against the Protestant community.

Following a visit to Ballyworkan in Upper Bann, the scene of a weekend attack - and a meeting with Security Minister Paul Goggms -he said: "This is not a simple matter of vandalism. It is a blatant display of sectarian hatred against the heart of a community.

'This behaviour should not be tolerated by any element within our society.

"It must be unreservedly condemned."

The MP said "individuals who are intent on stirring up sectarian division" were responsible and must not succeed.

These people had "a deep-seeded hatred for all things Protestant" but are a minority, he said.

The incidents - nearly 30 this year - come at a time when the Orange Order has embarked upon a programme of education to deal with the misconstrued ideas about the Order, he added.

He said: "The Northern Ireland Office also has a significant role to play in the restoration of Orange halls which suffer attack.

"These are clearly sectarian attacks but for government compensation to be forthcoming there must be a Chief Constable's Certificate.

"There are numerous halls around Northern Ireland which are currently not fit for purpose because of sectarian attacks yet compensation is slow and in some cases non-existent.

"This is a reserved [Westminster] matter and I would call on the Secretary of State to take the action which the DUP has long advised.

"There are a number of mechanisms which would streamline the compensation process. This has been under consideration for a number of months but the time has come for action.

"Orange halls are a focal point in their communities. The use of Orange halls extends well beyond Loyal Order activities.

"I have discussed these issues with the Security Minister and I look forward to the NIO delivering on this matter which demands urgent attention."

DUP Culture Minister Edwin Foots said nationalists and republican representatives had a responsibility to address the issue, not just in statements of condemnation but in actual on the ground backing. 18th December 2007 News Letter

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