South Down Ulster Unionist MLA Harold McKee has said that the people who attacked Orange Halls at Tanvally and Corbet are seeking to create and exploit community tensions, and must not be allowed to succeed.
Mr McKee said:
“I unreservedly condemn last night’s attacks on Orange Halls at Tanvally and Corbet in which republican graffiti was daubed and paint thrown.
“It is particularly sad that as we pause today to commemorate the centenary of the sacrifice of thousands of Ulstermen and Irishmen at the Somme, we have people in our society who use that hard won freedom to create fear and division.
“The people responsible have one agenda - to whip up community tensions and create divisions, which they can exploit further.
“Knowing the people of South Down as I do, I am confident that the perpetrators will not succeed. We are trying to build a shared future in Northern Ireland which is based on mutual respect, trust and tolerance.
“This prospect clearly frightens some people who are so insecure in their own culture and heritage, that they feel the need to attack anything which does not reinforce their own narrow views.
“These are sectarian hate crimes and I would appeal to anyone who can assist the Police to catch those responsible, to come forward immediately.”