Ulster Unionist deputy leader
Danny Kennedy said in the past
attacks on Orange halls had been
mainly focused on isolated rural
areas but has now switched to those
in predominantly Protestant communities.
"The recent spate of attacks appear
to be strategically organised and are
focused on Orange halls in almost
exclusively Protestant areas," he
said.
"I think that's a dedicated attempt
by republicans to provoke a reaction
from the Orange constituency."
Mr Kennedy said he believed the
recent spate of arson attacks was
politically motivated.
"I think they are probably also
focused on politics, in order to put
pressure on the political institutions,"
he said.
"More Orange halls are being
attacked now that the DUP and Sinn
Fein are sharing power. It's a very
dangerous situation."
Strongly condemning the attacks,
he went on: "We are demanding
action from the Government, greater
activity from the PSNI and a genuine
attempt on behalf of nationalists
and republicans to give the
information to the police which will
help apprehend those responsible."
Tandragee councillor and
Orangeman Paul Berry expressed
his "utter disgust" at the New Year's
Day arson attacks.
"With the Twelfth of July to be held
in Tandragee this year, there is clearly
an orchestrated attempt to try and
heighten tensions and attack our
culture," he said.
DUP Upper Bann MP David
Simpson said the authorities needed
to act swiftly.
"The Government recently reaffirmed
its promise to address the
matter of insurance and in the early
part of this year," he said.
"That must be expedited. Those
who carry out such attacks must see
those halls being rebuilt bigger and
better than before."
Security Minister Paul Goggins
said the Orange Order should be
able to carry out their activities without
fear and intimidation and without
the disruption that results from
these attacks.
"The compensation issue is the
subject of ongoing and detailed discussions
with a real effort being
made to ensure the existing system
operates more effectively," Mr
Goggins said. "It is also vital that we
work together to try to prevent these
attacks from occurring in the first
place."
Alliance leader David Ford said
those who attack Orange halls and
GAA facilities are targeting the
whole community and are trying to
tear it apart.
Mr Ford said: "I am deeply
appalled that the sectarian hate campaign
against Orange halls is still
continuing," he added.
"A very small number of potentially
dissident republican elements are
trying to cause instability because
they cannot stomach peace. We must
not let them succeed."
It is understood that many people
in the area believe dissident republicans
to be behind the attacks.
The police last night hit out at the
two arson attacks. "The PSNI condemns
attacks and criminal damage
on all property irrespective of where
it occurs or which community is the
victim," a spokesman said.
"We are aware of the concerns
expressed by the Orange Order and
want to assure them that we view
these attacks seriously."
The Chief Constable and his senior
management team have met with
Orange Order representatives to
address their concerns.
"Several local meetings have also
been held between area commanders
and local LOL representatives
and it is anticipated that local
Orange hall caretakers in these
areas will receive a crime prevention
advice lecture from their local crime
prevention officer," said the
spokesman.
Anyone who has information on
the attacks is asked to contact the
PSNI.