|
The Orange Order said today that an arson attack which destroyed
an orange hall in Co Armagh showed how some people were determined
to sabotage any attempts at peace and reconciliation in Northern
Ireland.
The Ballyrea Orange Hall which has stood for over one hundred
year near Armagh was gutted in last night's attack with memorabilia
and band instruments destroyed.
Commenting on the incident an Orange Order spokesman said:
"At this stage we don't know who was responsible but
following a number of other incidents in the area recently
we suspect a sectarian motive".
"Local Orangemen are devastated. For decades this hall
served as a focal point for many members of the local community.
The attack was a spiteful, vindictive act designed to raise
community tensions".
"If Northern Ireland is to stand any chance of achieving
a lasting peace, we all need to respect each others customs
and traditions. If only some people could put as much effort
into being constructive rather than destructive then Northern
Ireland, and indeed the world would be a far better place".
|
