O’Neill effigy on bonfire ‘sickening display of bigotry’

AN effigy of Sinn Fein’s vice president Michelle O’Neill, which appeared on an Eleventh Night bonfire in Dungannon, is being treated as a hate crime by police.

The image, along with Irish flags, was displayed last night (Tuesday).

Commenting on the incident, vice president Michelle O’Neill said, “Those attempting to cause offence by burning emblems and effigies should catch themselves on, and join the rest of us in building a better future.

It come just days after an image of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and an Irish tricolour were burned on a bonfire at Moygashel near Dungannon, which is also being treated at a hate crime.

Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said bonfires should not be used to promote “sectarian hate and bigotry.”

The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said,  “An effigy of Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill has been placed on a bonfire alongside the Irish national flag in Dungannon. 

“This is sectarian hate crime. This isn’t culture in any shape or form. 

“No bonfires should be used to promote sectarian hate and bigotry and we need to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to this type of behaviour across society. 

“The PSNI must now investigate this sickening display as a hate crime. 

“All political leaders must stand together against these displays and make it clear that they have absolutely no place in this society.”