MacLochlainn: “This isn’t culture, this is hate”

Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has today spoken out about the Eleventh Night “hate-fest” bonfires, and stressed that Unionist leadership must stand up and speak out against such acts.

Speaking to Donegal Daily, the Sinn Féin Senator has slammed the DUP’s silence on the matter, and stated his disgust at the effigy of Martin McGuinness on a bonfire in Belfast.

“We need Unionist leadership to stand up against racism, bigotry, and hate, to make it a thing on the past.”

“We need elected leaders of the Orange Order and Unionism to make it clear that this has to stop. We need leaders to speak out and condemn this. They need to line up and speak out about the horrendous images that have been on social media.

“There are photographs of MEPs/MLAs/TDs – they are elected representatives because we live in a democracy.”

“DUP leaders attend these bonfires. There is not a word from them. How can you be serious about peace and facilitate this?#8221;

Speaking about the depiction of Martin McGuinness on a Belfast bonfire, MacLochlainn called the effigy “shameful and horrendous”. He also said it was a “sad irony” due to McGuinness’ work on peace and reconciliation and the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

McGuinness’ son Emmett expressed his sadness at the portrayal of his late father on the bonfire, saying “I am very thankful that I was raised by parents never to hate anyone or anything. [Michelle O’Neill] is right, the annual display of hate must end.”

Another bonfire this year was embellished with a racial slur reading ‘Scott Sinclair loves bananas’.

MacLochlainn has praised Orange Order members in the Donegal community who have spoken out against the bonfires, and hopes that more Orange Order divisions will follow suit.

“I respect their identity and right to commemorate the past, but the bonfires are not respectful.”

He also acknowledged that there have been sectarian acts from various Nationalist factions, and has denounced these actions too.

“When the Newtowncunningham Orange Order lodge had suffered an arson attack, I condemned it. As a community, we helped support and rebuild the lodge.”

Fearful that sectarianism will be perpetuated, he said; “My primary concern are the children who are being brought along to these spectacles. They are the next generation. What are they being taught? Hate.”

MacLochlainn’s colleague, Sinn Féin Northern Leader Michelle O’Neill has also denounced the burning of election posters and flags on the Eleventh Night.

She says; “Once again, we have witnessed bonfires across the North being festooned with stolen Sinn Féin election posters, Irish national flags and other emblems.

“The theft and burning of posters from any party as well as flags, effigies and other symbols is not culture, it is a hate crime.

“I have written to the PSNI Chief Constable and told him it should be treated as such by the PSNI and appropriate steps taken.

“There is also a responsibility on unionist political parties and the loyal orders to show some leadership on this issue and end this annual display of hate once and for all.”

Featured image credit: John O’Dowd (Twitter @JohnODowdSF)