Politicians hit out after latest incident in Glenavy village

CONDEMNING last week’s attack the DUP’s South Antrim MP William McCrea said, “Glenavy Church of Ireland Church Hall has not only been attacked with sectarian graffiti but threats have also been painted on the walls about individuals. This is despicable and unacceptable. Every wall of the building has been defaced.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Dec 2012, 12:07 BST

“I have met with the folks from the Church and assured them of my practical and prayerful support at this time. Those who were involved in carrying out this criminal act are to be condemned in the strongest terms. The perpetrators of this crime have made threats about three named individuals. Such comments are motivated by naked sectarianism and deep-rooted hatred. The people of Glenavy disassociate themselves from this backward behaviour.

“I trust the police will find those responsible and they will be brought before the courts and prosecuted. All political representatives should speak with a united voice in their condemnation and also in calling for attacks of this nature to stop.”

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SDLP Lisburn councillor Pat Catney has said those responsible have perpetrated one of the lowest forms of attack on an idyllic peaceful community.

Mr Catney described those who carried out the attacks as morons. He said: “Words are hard to come by when witnessing the results of this kind of behaviour.

“This is a beautiful part of the country, an idyllic setting with good neighbours and cowards have descended under the cover of darkness and sprayed offensive, bitter slogans over trees and property. This is totally unacceptable and shameful.

“This will not stop the good work going on in this community and even the good work going on between political parties to tackle issues such as hate crime and anti-social behaviour.

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“I have been speaking to so many people today, many young people, who want to come out and help to take the paint off the property. That’s the real spirit of this community and that’s the message I’m determined will get through.”

Councillor Jim Dillon said that the latest incident was the worst incident by far from previous attacks.

“Someone knows who is carrying out these attacks and they should give the name to the police,” he said. “I hope this does not strain community relations in this area.”

Alderman James Tinsley said: “I was totally horrified at the amount of graffiti spread around the Church grounds, especially when the culprits singled out two individuals within the village who in their own rights have worked exceptionally hard in ensuring there are good community relations within the village.

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“This being the seventh attack of this nature in the village area in the past number of months is very worrying. On the Wednesday afternoon before the attack, I met with Senior PSNI Officers in Lisburn Police Station along with the Reverend William McCrea MP and some members from the Protestant Hall to raise our concerns and be reassured from the PSNI that they are doing all in their power to bring the culprits to justice.

“I have been inundated from the attack by dozens of people totally horrified about the ongoing attacks and I believe this is drawing the community closer together and showing a united front to smoke out the perpetrators of these dastardly deeds.”