Belfast’s council and DfI at loggerheads over Bloomfield bonfire

Charlie Stewart: So, the SF-run Belfast council doesn’t like loyalists in a loyalist area having a bonfire? That’s what happens when you lose a war.

Gerard Brannigan: Charlie Stewart, maybe they should build it so close to your house that the fire brigade have to dose your house down with water to stop it going up in flames. Give your head a shake.

Emma Sarah Doherty: The hazard warning has come from the fire brigade and not the council. The complaints/ stress/worry are also being felt and expressed by unionists/loyalists and not the council.

Peadar Mac Conchoille: Charlie Stewart, Sinn Fein were powerful enough to be able to bring the once-mighty sectarian Stormont down. They are a 32-county republican party and getting stronger. I’m not sure ‘lost’ makes any sense.

Keith Dunwoodie: Charlie Stewart, ‘That’s what happens when you lose a war’? What war are you referring to?

Sean McNally: Try not to burn any grandmothers out of their homes, Charlie.

Ronnie Matthews: This is a bonfire? Get a life. What part of Protestant culture says these things need to be so big?

Manus O Dubhghaill: It’s an insecurity complex. The whole culture is based on trying to justify their right to Northern Ireland.

Brian Magill: I agree that people should not be stripped of celebrating their local heritage/ culture. However, when it comes to compromising the safety of their own community and possible damage to residential property, I can’t understand the lack of respect the bonfire builders have for the people from their own community. Biggest is not always best. Please, please, please: seriously reconsider and respect the local residents.

Karen Faulkner: Look what happened in the Shankill estate a few years ago.

Emma Sarah Doherty: You can take a horse to water, Karen.

Colm Kilbane: This would never be allowed in Britain.