The Ulster Unionist Party’s West Tyrone MLA Ross Hussey has condemned last night’s arson attack on Convoy Orange Hall in County Donegal.
Mr Hussey said:
“Last night’s attack on Convoy Orange Hall, coming less than three weeks after the attack on the nearby Newtowncunningham Orange Hall, is proof that some people simply cannot tolerate the existence of the Orange Order and are determined to try and eradicate any trace of Orange history and culture. They are so insecure in their own culture that they cannot risk permitting anyone else to have one of their own.
“The Orange Order in County Donegal is a threat to no-one. The minority Protestant community in the County simply want to live their lives and bring up their families whilst living in harmony with all their neighbours.”
“Recent years have seen a marked improvement in community relations within the Republic, with the warm welcome received by the Queen on her visit in 2011 and the reciprocal visit to the United Kingdom earlier this year by President Higgins demonstrating clearly that relations between the two countries have never been better.
“I welcome the condemnations of these attacks by political representatives and would urge anyone who can assist the Garda in solving these attacks to please come forward immediately and ensure that the person or persons responsible are caught and punished by the courts.”