Armstrong welcomes OFMDFM condemnation of Attacks on Orange Halls
Ulster Unionist MLA Billy Armstrong has welcomed comments made in a written response by OFMDFM regarding the recent spate of attacks on Orange Halls.
The Mid-Ulster MLA said;
“The OFMDFM’s strategic departmental objectives include ‘promoting better community relations, a culture of equality and rights, and promoting social inclusion’.
“I recently wrote to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister asking them what assessment has been made of the impact of the recent spate of attacks on Orange Halls on their strategic objectives.”
“In their response they say that they ‘totally deplore these acts and condemn utterly those people who carry out such attacks which are a scourge on our society.’
I fully endorse these comments and would especially urge those politicians from the republican community to use their influence to ensure that attacks on Orange Halls are halted.
We must all work to develop a society in which Halls and Churches of all denominations are given due respect and left well alone.
Attacks on these Halls are nothing more than hate crimes and must be condemned by all right-thinking people.”