North Antrim MLA Jim Allister has criticised SF attempts to sow division in the village of Portglenone after SF Cllr Monica Digney complained about flags erected in the town in advance of the 12th July demonstration.

Jim Allister stated:

“I was pleased to accept an invitation this week to visit Portglenone and view the display of flags erected in the village prior to the 12th demonstration.

“On my visit to the village I was informed that four Union flags had been removed during July, one of which had been erected on the Orange Hall.

“The flags were removed after Sinn Fein Cllr Monica Digney released a sectarian statement claiming that the display was not appropriate.

“It is evident that Cllr Digney sought to sow division and bitterness in the village akin to the SF strategy that has contributed to deteriorating community relations in Rasharkin and Dunloy.

I would commend those Unionists involved in decorating Portglenone for replacing the stolen flags and rejecting the sectarian and apartheid agenda pursued by SF in Portglenone.

“Portglenone is a vibrant village and there is a strong sense of community. Sinn Fein will not be allowed to succeed in destroying community relations.”