Orange hall attacks: United front needed against hate crimes, say Sinn Féin MPs

ATTACKS on Orange halls in County Tyrone in recent days were motivated solely by sectarian hatred, Sinn Féin MPs Michelle Gilderenew and Martin McGuinness have said.

Michelle Gildernew, MP for Fermanagh & South Tyrone, said that the arsonists who attacked Strawletterdallon, Dergina and Mullnahunch Orange halls over the weekend do not reflect the community in Tyrone or the wider area.

Those who carried them out are motivated solely by sectarian bigotry.

They are no different to those who carry out attacks on GAA halls, churches and other cultural and community facilities.

Martin McGuinness, MP for Mid-Ulster, said:

These attacks are wrong and they are unacceptable.

Unfortunately, in recent years we have witnessed numerous attacks on churches, Orange halls and GAA clubs. All of these must be and have been rightly condemned by all political parties.

Over the weekend, four Orange halls were attacked, he said.

Those responsible are motivated solely be sectarian hatred and by a desire to see community tensions increased.

Our task as political leaders is to ensure this does not happen. That means taking the lead not just in condemning such attacks but also in engaging in dialogue with each other and promoting a united front against these hate crimes.