Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Condemnation after lynched figure depicting Gerry Adams placed on loyalist bonfire

Gerry Adams has condemned the figure’s appearance as “deeply offensive”.

THERE HAS BEEN condemnation after a hanged figure depicting Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was placed on a loyalist bonfire ahead of the 12th of July.

The figure on the bonfire on the outskirts of Antrim Town is wearing the colours of Celtic Football Club and is hanging from a gallows painted in the colours of the Irish tricolour.

A spokesperson from Adams’ office said that his solicitor has been in touch with the PSNI, who are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

The image has been described by Adams as “deeply offensive and a clear hate crime by those responsible”.

The Orange Order claims that bonfires are an important part of protestant culture and should be welcoming to families. What happens at Orange events is clearly the responsibility of the Orange Order. The figure of a lynch victim on a bonfire is not a welcoming sight for anyone.

There was controversy earlier this week when elections posters of Sinn Féin and Alliance Party candidates appeared on bonfires. The posters of Alliance Party MLA Anna Lo appeared on bonfires in Bangor and Carrickfergus. The poster of Martina Anderson appeared on the bonfire in Bangor.

Speaking about the incident this evening, PSNI press officer Lorraine McLearnon said:

Police are aware of numerous items, some of which can only be described as distasteful, that have been placed on bonfires in a number of parts of Northern Ireland. Police are liaising with local community representatives in relation to these incidents.

READ: Unionists demand removal of Sinn Féin posters from bonfires

READ: The Orange Order distances itself from potential disruption tomorrow

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
339 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Porter Mechanic
    Favourite Porter Mechanic
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 2:54 PM

    To Knock down a kid and keep going, Jesus wept

    104
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dermot Lane
    Favourite Dermot Lane
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 3:36 PM

    @Porter Mechanic: is there a spate of hit and runs lately? It sure feels like it

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute B9xiRspG
    Favourite B9xiRspG
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 3:46 PM

    @Dermot Lane: There has been, you have to ask why they didn’t stop. No tax, no insurance, no license, drink driving – a combination of one or more?

    Accidents happen but as soon as you drive off, you should get prison time.

    67
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elvis Polkasalad
    Favourite Elvis Polkasalad
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 3:48 PM

    @Dermot Lane: Differant generation , life means nothing anymore ,

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Smelly Chemist
    Favourite Smelly Chemist
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 4:29 PM

    @B9xiRspG: that’s a good point about the tax and insurance. I hadn’t thought of that. Some people probably can’t afford the insurance hikes and you can’t get tax without insurance. I wonder why we don’t switch to the new zealand model.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elvis Polkasalad
    Favourite Elvis Polkasalad
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 3:46 PM

    hope they catch the manky bstrd, .

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Blind Faith
    Favourite Blind Faith
    Report
    May 4th 2018, 6:33 PM

    That’s the second hit & run in Edgeworthstown in the last couple of months, not sure they caught the last perpetrator yet. Hopefuly this young lad will be okay.

    21
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.