West Tyrone Ulster Unionist MLA Ross Hussey has said that the people who attacked a County Tyrone Orange Hall for the second time in 24 hours, will not succeed in dividing the community.
Mr Hussey said:
“The two attacks in such quick succession on Strawletterdallon Orange Hall near Newtownstewart are the work of people who are the enemies of the entire community.
“This hall is a valuable community resource in a rural area and it is extensively used by a wide range of groups.
“As I have said before, such mindless attacks are designed to whip up community tensions and create divisions, which the people responsible can exploit further.
“Knowing the people of Newtownstewart and district as I do, I am I am confident that the local community will unite against those who seek to divide them. We are trying to build a shared future in which mutual respect, trust and tolerance are the order of the day and this clearly frightens people who cannot cope with the existence of anyone or anything which does not fit with their own narrow views. It is imperative that the entire community stands together and rejects those whose only agenda is fear and division.
“The Police have described these attacks as hate crimes and I would appeal to anyone who can assist them to catch those responsible to come forward immediately. They represent no-one and are the enemies of us all.”