Foster voices ‘regret’ over sectarian banners at 12th of July bonfires
● Police under attack from republicans throwing petrol bombs in north Belfast
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster expressed regret at sectarian messages displayed on some loyalist bonfires.
Fewer Twelfth of July events took place across Northern Ireland this year because of coronavirus restrictions, with the Orange Order calling for the date to be marked at home.
However, there were significant crowds at several fires that did go ahead.
In north Belfast there was a second night of sporadic disorder near a community interface as police came under attack from petrol bombers in the Irish republican New Lodge near a bonfire in the loyalist Tiger’s Bay area.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed that bottles, masonry and a “number of petrol bombs” were thrown at officers on Saturday evening in Queens Parade and New Lodge Road.
Before the Eleventh Night fires, politicians and community leaders had urged people to avoid mass gatherings and stick to Covid-19 regulations that limit outdoor gatherings to no more than 30 people. Crowds well in excess of 30 were witnessed at a number of fires that were lit late on Saturday night.
Mrs Foster said she regretted that some people did not follow advice from the Orange Order to stay at home for the annual 12 July celebrations.
She also condemned the violent scenes in north Belfast and criticised those who placed sectarian and offensive messages on the loyalist bonfires.
“They really need to take a look at themselves and ask themselves what sort of a Northern Ireland do they want to live in. Do they want to live in a Northern Ireland where everyone is entitled to proudly celebrate their culture and identity or do they want to live in a split Northern Ireland?” she said.
“I know certainly the one in which I want to live in – it’s one where we can all proudly celebrate but do so in a way that is not offensive and certainly not sectarian.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill of Sinn Fein condemned the bonfires.
“Political unionism must do more to challenge and confront the destructive and toxic issue of anti-social bonfires,” she tweeted.
“These fires are not only detrimental to the environment, but also to community relations. Sectarianism has absolutely no place in our society and must be rooted out.”
PSNI Superintendent Lorraine
Dobson said it was “extremely disappointing” that officers had come under attack again by youths throwing petrol bombs in the New Lodge area.
“Damage has been caused to a number of our vehicles but, thankfully, none of our officers were injured,” she said.
Bonfires are lit in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland every 11 July to usher in the main date in the Protestant loyal order parading season, the Twelfth of July.
The Orange Order cancelled its plans for traditional mass Twelfth of July parades and demonstrations to take place today because the 12th fell on a Sunday.