Write a commentA Bonfire at Carnagat topped by the Union flag and other flags together with comments referring to deaths during the troubles has been condemned by Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady and local Councillor David Taylor. Another bonfire in the city also had flags visible.
Mr Brady said “Sinn Fein condemn the burning of flags, emblems, effigies and posters on bonfires. Such actions are hate crimes and must be eradicated. Those involved with it have brought huge dismay and great disgrace to Newry"
The MP added "Many good community people and residents in Carnagat and Parkhead who have worked hard to bring services to the area and promote all that is positive.
"The vast majority of the community is opposed to bonfire and associated display of hate and anti social behaviour”.
The Newry and Armagh representative stated that those responsible were not acting in the name of republicanism
“This so called anti-interment bonfire has nothing whatsoever to do with the legacy of internment. It is anti-republican, and does not celebrate any aspect of Irish national identity or cultural traditions. Those responsible are under no circumstances acting in the name of republicanism.
"This Bonfire is not Republican, it is not about politics or culture and simply mirrors the worst elements of loyalism.
"It also has brought further pain and suffering to bereaved families”.
Cllr David Taylor also said "The Republican bonfire at Parkhead, Newry referencing late victims campaigner William Frazer and his father and David Black and Stephen Carroll. This is absolutely despicable and sickening. I will be asking the PSNI to investigate this matter as a hate crime"
South Down MP, Chris Hazzard also condemned the incident as mindless criminality. "This horrible bonfire in Newry is a despicable act of mindless criminality and bigotry by those who have done nothing, are doing nothing, and will always do nothing to advance the cause of Irish Republicanism!!"
