Foster expresses regret over 'sectarian' messages on some bonfires

  • UTV
Bonfires are lit to usher in the Twelfth of July. Credit: Pacemaker

First Minister Arlene Foster has expressed regret at "sectarian and offensive" messages displayed on some bonfires on the Eleventh Night.

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey says he has contacted the PSNI and filed a complaint about a "vile banner" targeting veteran republican Bobby Storey, who died last month.

Ms Foster condemned those behind offensive displays on bonfires.

"They really need to take a look at themselves and ask themselves what sort of a Northern Ireland do they want to live in - do they want to live in a Northern Ireland where everyone is entitled to proudly celebrate their culture and identity, or do they want to live in a split Northern Ireland?" she told the BBC.

"I know certainly the one in which I want to live in, it's one where we can all proudly celebrate but do so in a way that is not offensive and certainly not sectarian."

Meanwhile deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill in a Tweet said "political unionism must do more" to address the issue of bonfires.

Bonfires were lit in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland on Saturday evening to mark the Eleventh Night.

There were fewer fires than usual amid the coronavirus restrictions, however significant crowds gathered at several of the ones that went ahead.

Politicians and community leaders had urged people to stick to social distancing guidelines ahead of Saturday night’s events.

The Fire Service said it responded to 24 bonfire-related incidents between 6pm and 1pm - which was a 29.5% drop from last year.

“NIFRS can confirm there were no attacks on fire service personnel or appliances at any of the above incidents,” a spokesperson added.

A number of communities did not burn bonfires this year during the Covid-19 lockdown, while a number of sites were cleared of wood by the local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Orange Order has cancelled its plans for traditional parades on the Twelfth.

Some loyalist bands are planning to take part in localised events in Monday, urging people to stay in their homes while they parade past.