SDLP Councillors Harry Connolly and Malachy McCamphill together with
North Antrim MLA Sean Farren condemned the arson attack, which gutted Lavin
Orange Hall on the Twelfth morning. The representatives called personally at
the scene to convey their disgust at the fire.
The SDLP representatives state: “We utterly condemn this cowardly attack
which had one aim and one aim only to raise tensions and to undermine community
relations in the North Antrim area generally.
“The SDLP firmly believes in fully respecting the culture of all sections
of the community and in the need to promote community relations on the basis of
mutual respect.
“We in the SDLP have many differences with the manner in which the Orange
Order and other loyal orders have behaved over the years but we can never
condone or excuse in any way the kind of attack that took place at Lavin Hall.
“We are pleased despite the fire that this year’s marches and demonstrations
in North Antrim and elsewhere passed off without serious incidents. We trust
this experience will be built upon and that we can look forward to the time
when parades and demonstrations are no longer a cause for any tension or
concern.
“We hope that the Orange lodge at Lavin will be able to replace the hall
and that community relations in the area will not suffer in any way.
“Finally we call on people who may have information leading to the arrest
of those responsible for the fire will make that information available to the
police.”