PRESS RELEASE : Orange hall attack “another example of hatred and sectarianism” – William Irwin [November 2022]

The press release issued by the DUP on 29 November 2022.

DUP Newry and Armagh MLA William Irwin has condemned those who sprayed sectarian graffiti over Crosskeys Orange Hall in County Armagh.

William Irwin stated,

“This is sadly another example of hatred and sectarianism directed at members of the Orange Order within this constituency. Those behind this sinister criminality should desist immediately and I hope they will be brought before the courts. For anyone to spray paint over an important community resource is outrageous but to spray IRA slogans is sickening.

This requires leadership from Sinn Fein as they consistently glorify the IRA and misleadingly state that the IRA had “no alternative”. The IRA was responsible for murdering, kidnapping, robbing, assaulting, and racketeering in this community and for anyone, let alone the Sinn Fein leadership, to laud the IRA as heroes is a rewriting of history and grossly irresponsible. Such statements equip a new generation to spread hate in this manner.

It is concerning that such an attack has taken place and it is only a few years since the hall was last targeted in a sectarian attack. Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity to contact the PSNI immediately and assist with their inquiries.”