Portadown District LOL No.1

Media News 2007

Ministers slam spate of fires at Orange halls

Politicians from across the political spectrum yesterday heavily condemned last weekend's spate of attacks on Ulster's Orange halls.

The most recent incident took place on Sunday night in Crumlin where three petrol bombs were thrown at Ballynadrentagh Orange Hall on the Diamond Road at approximately 11pm.

Police, however, said the missiles fell short of the building.

The attack followed fires at Orange halls in Portadown on Friday night and in Ballinderry on Sunday.

DUP South Antrim MP William McCrea condemned the attacks, labelling them a "blatant display of sectarian violence".

Mr McCrea said: "Those who carry out such attacks know that they are delivering a blow right to the heart of the Protestant community."

Upper Bann MP David Simpson called upon the Government to make the necessary legislative changes to ensure swifter compensation payouts for Orange halls that come under attack.

He said: "The fact that the compensation process is long and protracted actually gives an incentive to the attackers as they see that by attacking a hall they can put it out of business."

Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey said the large number of attacks on Orange halls was "blatantly sectarian".

Sir Reg said: "No other explanation is credible. Despite this evidence, the Loyal Orders face obstacles in obtaining compensation for these attacks."

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said: "Such attacks are motivated by sectarianism and have no place in this society."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: "Whoever is orchestrating this is acting contrary to the wishes of the overwhelming majority of people who want to move forward." 18th December 2007 News Letter

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