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Adams in plea over Orange Halls | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Attacks on Orange Halls are motivated by sectarianism and must end, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has said. | |
He was speaking following three weekend attacks on halls used by the Protestant loyal order, which it described as part of an "organised campaign". | |
"Such attacks are motivated by sectarianism and have no place in this society," Mr Adams said. | |
"There can be no justification whatsoever for this sort of behaviour. It is unacceptable and must end now." | |
He said that anyone with information on the "criminal actions" should contact the police. | |
The latest incident happened on Sunday in Crumlin, County Antrim, where three petrol bombs were thrown at Ballynadrentagh Orange Hall on Diamond Road at about 2300 GMT. | |
The petrol bombs did not reach the building. Grand secretary Drew Nelson spoke, at the weekend, of an "organised campaign" to destroy Orange Halls. | |
It follows fires in Portadown on Friday night and in Ballinderry on Sunday. | It follows fires in Portadown on Friday night and in Ballinderry on Sunday. |
'Blow to heart' | |
Mr Nelson said more than 30 halls had been attacked by arsonists so far this year. | |
"We find it very disappointing, because over the past two or three years we have been working very hard to improve community relations," he said. | "We find it very disappointing, because over the past two or three years we have been working very hard to improve community relations," he said. |
"It is a great disappointment to us that these attacks are still going on." | "It is a great disappointment to us that these attacks are still going on." |
DUP MP William McCrea said: "Those who carry out such attacks know that they are delivering a blow right to the heart of the Protestant community. | DUP MP William McCrea said: "Those who carry out such attacks know that they are delivering a blow right to the heart of the Protestant community. |
"There is clearly an orchestrated campaign being waged by those who are intolerant of the loyal orders and are intent on stirring up sectarian tensions within society." | "There is clearly an orchestrated campaign being waged by those who are intolerant of the loyal orders and are intent on stirring up sectarian tensions within society." |
He asked the police to set aside funds to investigate such crimes. | He asked the police to set aside funds to investigate such crimes. |