UUP Cllr says arson thugs are depraved

Ulster Unionist Councillor Derek Hussey says the Protestant community in Donegal must be wondering what levels of depravity the thugs responsible for a recent arson attack on an Orange Hall in Convoy can sink to.He said: “It would appear that the methodology previously applied at Newtown was similar to that at Convoy Orange Hall to enact pure bigotry and vile sectarianism.“Both of these facilities were more than just Orange Halls - they were, and no doubt will be again, community hubs used widely by all in the surrounding communities for many and varied activities bringing people together.“Ironically, on Thursday night, I had been engaging with some Donegal Councillors and an Irish Government Minister to encourage practical support for the Brethren at Newtowncunningham. That request must now be expanded.“The later discovery of the attempted destruction of Convoy Presbyterian Church really stretches the boundaries. Breaking through a door, entering and attempting arson including the burning of a Bible! A blatant despicable act of sacrilegious desecration.“I know that the thoughts and prayers of all right thinking people will be with the good folk of Convoy and am sure that they will recover even stronger and more determined in the aftermath of what has been inflicted upon them.”Councillor Hussey, who represents the Derg Electoral Area, concluded by adding: “I also trust that any knowledge of these activities will be passed on to the relevant authorities and that folk will be keeping an eye on the goings on in and around other such facilities in a spirit of good neighbourliness.”