Burning effigies and flags on loyalist bonfires 'cannot be accepted as normal'

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

The burning of effigies of political representatives, flags and symbols “can never be accepted as normal”, the North's First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said.

There was widespread condemnation after a bonfire in Moygashel, Co Tyrone, featured a replica of a mosque on top.

Other bonfires were topped with political election posters and Irish flags – and effigies of the music group Kneecap featured on a pyre at Donegall Pass in south Belfast.

The traditional Eleventh Night bonfires were lit across Northern Ireland late on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – ahead of the Orange Order’s July 12 parades across Northern Ireland on Monday.

They mark the 334th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, when the Protestant King William of Orange triumphed over the Catholic King James.

Ms O’Neill said she was among those targeted.

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“We can never accept burning effigies of political representatives, flags or symbols as normal,” she said.

“In any other part of the world, this would be unfathomable and unacceptable. It should be no different here.

“This is hatred, rooted in ugly sectarianism and racism.

“Last night, effigies of political representatives, including myself, were placed on bonfires, surrounded by flags and emblems.

“Those responsible have nothing to offer except fear and division.

“But they will not succeed. I will not let hatred dictate our future. I will continue to build a future where all our children grow up free from hate.”

There has also been a call for a full investigation after the destruction of two houses close to a loyalist bonfire.

An incident in Greenisland, near Carrickfergus, saw two houses destroyed and another two damaged in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the cause of the fire is under investigation, but that the most probable cause is thought to be accidental ignition due to embers from a nearby bonfire.

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew condemned the destruction of two houses and damage to another two as “deeply distressing”.

“The authorities must carry out a full investigation into how this happened, but they should also give their full support to those affected,” he said.

“All these incidents show that the current unregulated approach to bonfires has failed, and action must be taken.

“And that must include a united political response to tackling these illegal, costly bonfires to ensure safety and tolerance are at the heart of any cultural celebrations.”