Gardiner says only by supporting the Police can we root out Youth Hooliganism
Sam Gardiner MLA, Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Upper Bann, has condemned the arson attack on Derryadd Orange Hall.
“This is the latest in a series of attacks on Orange Halls. Indeed, Derryadd Orange Hall was badly damaged in a petrol bomb attack a few years ago. It is a sad reflection of the bigotry which exists in parts of our community. To attack an Orange Hall is a statement against the Unionist-minded population. It is a way of saying there is no room for your culture. That sort of attitude needs to be banished from our society.”
“I was glad to hear that arrests had been made at the scene and I hope that will send a message out to the kind of irresponsible hooligan element who carry out such activities. There is a need to get the young hooligan element in our society under some sort of control. It appears now that this age group is at the forefront of most sectarian trouble in the Province.”
“I want to commend the PSNI for their swift action in Derryadd and to say that people in all parts of the community should give the police their fullest support. They are working to create a better society and brighter future for all of us and they deserve the co-operation of everyone from whatever cultural tradition they come.”