Stamp out the flames of hatred

As the smoke and fumes clear from the annual Eleventh night bonfires, we must reflect on the lack of regulation of this traditional celebration.

The death of John Steele in Larne sent shockwaves across the country, but will any measures be put in place to stop another death? Mr Steele fell from the 50ft bonfire which he was helping to build. This tragedy could have happened in Tyrone, or at any one of the hundreds of bonfires built without regulation across the North each year.

The tragedy at the Antiville estate cannot be viewed in isolation. There have been previous serious accidents surrounding bonfires, where victims have sustained serious and sometimes permanent injuries. Once again, the burning of flags, election posters, and effigies, were evident at some loyalist bonfires. Placards also cited ‘KAT’ (Kill All Taigs) – this isn’t culture, these are sectarian hate crimes. Of course, the burning of flags and election posters isn’t just confined to loyalism. Similar incidents have been witnessed at republican bonfires.

So many of these bonfires are on council property, yet the authorities appear reluctant to step in, and apply some element of regulation. It seems that any attempt to regulate the building of bonfires is regarded as an attack and another step in the undermining of ‘culture’.

However, this is not political. This is about saving lives. And that has to be the unequivocal message.

Politicians and community leaders must use their influence to help curb these bonfires.

On Tuesday evening, the PSNI praised the ‘safest and most peaceful Twelfth of July in recent memory’. For many, it was a celebration of tradition and culture. But, the dangers and opportunities for naked sectarianism, posed by bonfires, will persist unless action is taken.