Controversy over a Loyalist bonfire featuring a small boat and mannequins representing refugees, shows no sign of abating, with Councillor Christine McFlynn now demanding answers from government agencies which she feels failed to prevent a “hate crime” from taking place.
The controversial bonfire, in Moygashel, was lit on July 10, and the SDLP representative for Magherafelt DEA feels strongly that the PSNI, NI Environment Agency, Justice Minister and Environment Minister should ensure no such incident takes place in the future.
Speaking at last Thursday’s (July 24) monthly meeting of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor McFlynn said: “I’m going to briefly talk about the Moygashel bonfire, as I’m the current Chair of the Environment committee, and I’m also member of the PCSP (Policing & Community Safety Partnership).
“This has been over the press and over the news in recent weeks. Mid Ulster has received a lot of negative press about the nature of this particular bonfire, and the effigy of a boat that was placed on top of it.
“Many of our communities celebrated their history and their culture with fun days and music events, and rightly so.
“But the placing of a boat effigy caused anguish and torment to our migrant community who add so much to our economy and our health service.
“And I have to say, many Unionists were very angry about this as well, and that’s very welcome that they voiced their anger about it.
“But leading up to the celebrations, the NI Environment Agency (NIEA) was not to be found.
“They were very silent in all of this. Nobody could reach them, nobody could contact them,” she claimed.
Councillor McFlynn continued: “We can’t allow this to happen again. Our First Minister and our Deputy First Minister should meet with the relevant Departments, to try and solve the situation we find ourselves in.
“So, I’m making a proposal tonight that we write to the Executive Office, the Justice Minister and the Environment Minister, and I propose [that we put] the following questions to them.
“The bonfire has been classed as a hate crime. So why was no attempt made to remove the boat effigy off it?
“What was the NIEA doing in July when this was all taking place?
“And what plans can the Justice Minister and the PSNI put in place for the future of the North of Ireland?
“I want to put on record my thanks to the NI Fire and Rescue Service and to our staff who were on the ground trying to keep all our communities safe.”
Councillor McFlynn’s proposal was seconded by Council Deputy Chair, Councillor Denise Johnston (SDLP, Moyola DEA).
