Election posters removed from Magherafelt bonfire

Election posters of nationalist politicians were removed before an Eleventh night bonfire was set alight at Beechland housing estate in Magherafelt, it has emerged.
Election poster on the Beechland Eleventh Night Bonfire in Magherafelt.Election poster on the Beechland Eleventh Night Bonfire in Magherafelt.
Election poster on the Beechland Eleventh Night Bonfire in Magherafelt.

A row erupted last Friday morning when photographs emerged showing posters belonging to the Sinn Fein chairperson Kate McEldowney, party colleagues Sean McPeake, Gabhan McFalone and Martina Anderson taking pride of place on the bonfire.

Michael Kelly, who ran unsuccessfully as an Independent in the recent Mid-Ulster Council election, was one of those who called for the posters to be removed.

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Mr Kelly whose election poster is also on the Beechland bonfire, said: “No doubt at various 12th demonstrations across the north speeches will be made advocating tolerance, respect, civil and religious liberties.

“I would ask leading local Orangemen, unionist politicians and community representatives do they think it’s acceptable to burn images of those from a different ethnic or religious persuasion on 11th night bonfires?”

Sinn Fein council party leader, Sean McPeake these actions of placing posters on the bonfire shows loyalism for what it truly is, and that is intolerance and hatred for the nationalist and republican communities.

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