The Ulster Unionist Party has condemned the weekend attack which took place on Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church near Londonderry.
Foyle Ulster Unionist Party Chairman Ronnie McKeegan said;
‘I utterly condemn those behind the disgraceful attack on Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church as I would condemn any attack on any place of worship or community hall.
2013 has been a momentous year for the City of Londonderry. We have been the UK City of Culture, we hosted a very successful Flagship Twelfth, a tremendous Maiden City Festival and a record breaking all-Ireland Fleadh.
The Ulster Unionist Party wants Londonderry to be an open City which welcomes everyone and looks to a truly shared future. The attack on Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church is evidence that there are sadly still some within society who struggle with the concept of diversity and tolerance for others.
The Protestant community in Londonderry is a minority and especially so on the west bank of the Foyle, from where thousands fled in the 1970s and 1980s. It is essential that the entire community and all shades of political opinion unite to condemn this attack and send a signal that this City has had enough of division and intolerance.
Presbyterians have made a huge contribution to the history of this City and they have a key role to play in its future, no matter what some hate filled bigots with a pot of paint may say.”