Opinion

Attack on hall raises tensions

CLIFTON Street Orange Hall in north Belfast has been subject to attack many times, most recently on Sunday when paint and petrol bombs were thrown at it.

Police, who were targeted by a gang of around 20 youths at the scene, are treating the episode as a sectarian hate crime.

Damage to the building may have been only minor but the attack, which has been condemned by unionist and nationalist politicians, has the capacity to heighten tensions as the marching season builds towards it July 12 climax.

Efforts to prevent further violence in what has often been a sectarian flashpoint must continue.

Deeper cross-community understanding is also necessary. The Orange Order is to be commended for making some efforts to explain its aims and objectives more widely, opening new museums at its headquarters in Belfast last week and in Loughgall, Co Armagh, yesterday.

Further such efforts are needed across society.