Traditional Unionist Voice Vice Chairman Keith Harbinson has launched a scathing attack on those responsible for the latest spate of attacks on local Orange Halls.

Mr Harbinson said “In the past 10 days we have seen ‘RIRA’ graffiti being daubed over 4 local Orange Halls within the Glenavy and Maghergall areas.  We have also seen the same slogan being sprayed at churches and on other private property, not to mention on public road signs as a perceived attempt to mark their territory.”

“Such behaviour is tantamount to intimidation of the Protestant Unionist community, and must be condemned by all right thinking members of society.  These halls provide a much needed focal point for the community, and facilitate religious services and prayer groups on a weekly basis, not to mention junior Orange lodge meetings, whereby children will now be subjected to this sectarian graffiti.”

“Such mindless behaviour makes one question the motives of those involved, but one thing is for sure, these people do not have a place in our society.” 

Mr Harbinson went on to say, “These attacks are perpetrated to try and invoke a reaction from the Unionist community, but they will not succeed.  Such moronic actions say more about the persons committing them than any cause they could hope to advance, and I would call on anyone with any knowledge of any of the incidents, to assist the PSNI in riding the people of these communities of this unwanted and lawless element.”