There has been widespread condemnation after poppy wreaths were placed on a bonfire in Londonderry.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said there was no place in society for the burning of flags or emblems.
There can be no place in society for the burning of flags and emblems.
Those involved in bonfires in Derry do not reflect Republicanism.
They are also acting in contrary to the wishes of the local community.
We must all continue to work to end these displays of hate.
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) August 16, 2020
The wreaths were placed on a bonfire built in Curryneirin on the Waterside of the city. They were recently stolen from a nearby war memorial.
DUP MLA Gary Middleton said it was ‘disgraceful’.
“This is disgraceful and utterly insulting to the war dead. There needs to be leadership shown in this community. Poppy wreaths were stolen from the war memorial in Londonderry recently. Those who place wreaths on bonfires clearly have a warped mindset,” he added.
Curryneirin bonfire tonight. This is disgraceful and utterly insulting to the war dead. There needs to be leadership shown in this community. Poppy wreaths were stolen from the war memorial in Londonderry recently. Those who place wreaths on bonfires clearly have a warped mindset pic.twitter.com/LLXbwgcup4
— Gary Middleton MLA (@Gary_Middleton) August 14, 2020
.@M_AndersonSF condemns burning of poppy wreaths https://t.co/4TC9XtpqHL pic.twitter.com/98RSS8Ir5q
— Derry SinnFein (@DerrySinnFein) August 16, 2020