‘A bridge too far’ – anger on both sides of debate at huge ‘No’ sign built on Ben Bulben

A TEAM of 20 pro-life campaigners in Co Sligo constructed a giant ‘No’ slogan on Ben Bulben mountain in a move that has provoked controversy.

A priest from a nearby parish described the placing of the sign as a “bridge too far”.

The sign, which is clearly visible around the area of Grange, has met with negative reaction on both sides of the campaign within the north Sligo community.

Fr Christy McHugh said: “We don’t need this kind of thing to make a point.”

Meanwhile, Sligo county councillor and Grange native Cllr Marie Casserly said the sign had only proved to get people’s backs up.

“It certainly has annoyed people on both sides and I have gotten calls from both sides. It’s not good for the campaign and it’s not good for the area,” she said.

However, speaking to Ocean FM’s Niall Delaney yesterday morning, Tommy Banks of Sligo for Life said: “It’s a cry from the mountains to save Ireland’s babies because no one is listening.”

Mr Banks, who was one of 20 who had been up since 4am yesterday to construct the sign, said it was “horrific to think that we have to do this”.

Meanwhile, the National Parks and Wildlife Service said in relation to the erection of the sign: “The owners should procure its immediate removal so that Ben Bulben is returned undamaged to its natural and beloved state.”