The Ulster Unionist Party’s South Antrim MLA Danny Kinahan has condemned an attack on an Orange Hall near Glenavy in which sectarian and pro-IRA graffiti was painted on the walls at some point between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Mr Kinahan said:
"I unreservedly condemn the attack on Fourscore Orange Hall outside Glenavy, which is sadly the latest in a long line of attacks on Orange Halls in the south Antrim area. Such attacks on Churches and Halls - whether Orange or GAA - are sectarian hate crimes and have no place in our society.
“As a local representative I know that the vast majority of the local community in Glenavy and the wider area wants nothing to do with such activities and simply wish to live in peace and harmony with all of their neighbours.
“The people responsible for this attack are seeking to whip up sectarian tensions and exploit divisions within society – divisions which they themselves are working hard to exacerbate. They must be rejected by all sections of society as we seek to build the shared future which ensures everyone’s rights, heritage and culture is respected.
“I appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Fourscore Hall in the early hours of Wednesday morning, or who can assist the Police in any way, to come forward immediately.”