Condemnation as effigies and political posters on bonfires across Northern Ireland

Connor Lynch

13 July 2024 at 6:24 am·1-min read

There has been widespread condemnation as effigies and political posters have been placed on multiple bonfires across Northern Ireland on Thursday night.

Some Eleventh Night bonfires have also had signs issuing threats towards Northern Irish newspapers and featured sectarian slogans, with the Irish Tricolour and Palestinian flag being placed on others.

East Derry SDLP MLA Cara Hunter condemned one bonfire in Newtownabbey that featured a sign targeting her party leader Colum Eastwood alongside an effigy.

She said: "Absolutely despicable behaviour. Unionist leadership needs to come out strong against this nonsense and call it for what it is.

"Clearly these people don't know Colum, and he won't be deterred by this backwards sectarian hatred. Solidarity."

A number of posters featuring Sinn Fein representatives were placed on a bonfire in the Donegall Pass area of South Belfast.

Castlereagh South councillor Ryan Carlin said: "Disappointed to see this once again. A need for real leadership.

"We will continue to work for all, and engage with everyone who want to see a better, more positive future."

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