Swann brands attack ‘naked Republican racism’

Rasharkin Orange was was attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning. PICTURE MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA

Assemblyman Swann, who is also UUP Chief Whip, added: “I appeal strongly to the Protestant Unionist Loyalist community not to be sucked into any tit-for-tat republican agenda.

“Equally importantly, I urge anyone with information on what the PSNI have already described as a hate crime to pass whatever details they can to the police so that the people responsible can be arrested and brought before the courts.”

Mr Swann added: “It is significant that this attack should come as the community is about to prepare for the annual Twelfth commemorations.

“I urge everyone in the community to remain calm in the face of this naked republican racism. The fact that there are people or organisations still in our community who are prepared to indulge in a hate crime such as this attack on Rasharkin Orange Hall should be proof that those charged with putting together the Northern Ireland budget must ensure appropriate funding is given to the police to enable them to carry out their duties,” said Mr Swann, himself a Past Master in the Orange Order.