Ford says thugs attacking Orange Halls want to tear community apart

9.45.00am GMT Wed 2nd Jan 2008

Alliance Leader David Ford

Following attacks on Orange Halls in the past few days, Alliance Leader David Ford has said those who attack Orange Halls and GAA facilities are attacking the whole community and are trying to tear it apart. He said that the small number of thugs involved in the attacks must not succeed in stirring up sectarian tensions. His comments come after two Orange Halls were attacked within 24 hours in Tandragee and Portadown.

David Ford said: "I am deeply appalled that the sectarian hate campaign against Orange Halls is still continuing. A very small number of potentially dissident republican elements are trying to cause instability because they cannot stomach peace. We must not let them succeed.

"Police must step up intelligence activities to take these thugs off the streets before any more damage is done.

"Whilst individually these attacks may appear minor, when you look at these incidents collectively you can see that this is a deeply disturbing campaign of hatred.

"Recent attacks on community facilities whether they are GAA buildings, Church Halls or Orange Halls are all the same. These incidents are totally wrong and they must stop.

"Attacks on community facilities are attacks on everyone. No one wants our society to tear itself apart. End these sectarian attacks now."

ENDS