DUP Alderman John Finlay has said he is totally disgusted that ‘republican thugs’ have torn down the Union Flag as it flew at half-mast on Dunloy Orange Hall in honour of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on the day of his funeral.
Alderman Finlay said: “In honour of Prince Philip on the day of his funeral, and at a time of national mourning, we hoisted the Union Flag at half-mast on Dunloy Orange Hall, but this act of respect to a great man was too much for Republican thugs who have now torn it down.
“We are repeatedly told that we have nothing to fear from a united Ireland, but this sort of display of naked sectarian and anti-British hatred at a time of national mourning is a reminder of what we are up against. It’s clear that there are those in our community who will not tolerate our heritage, religion or culture in any shape or form.
“I call on the police to take quick action to apprehend the culprits. I also call on all elected representatives to condemn this vile act without reservation or equivocation.”
North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey also condemned the flag removal saying: “As a mark of respect at the passing of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, flags were erected at Garryduff Ind Orange Hall and Dunloy Orange, sadly both were removed.
“This was a disgraceful and disrespectful act.
“As today we joined with with our Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and our nation to express our sympathy as His Royal Highness The Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh was being buried there were those sadly who couldn’t even allow that to happen without displaying their sectarian hatred.”
