DUP and UUP speak out against effigy of migrant boat on top of Moygashel bonfire

The boat containing more than a dozen life-sized mannequins wearing life jackets has been erected on top of the bonfire in Moygashel on the outskirts of Dungannon in Co Tyrone.

Below the boat are several placards, one stating ‘stop the boats’ and another ‘veterans before refugees’.

The DUP issued a statement from a party spokesperson which read: “The 11th of July bonfires are a historic and cultural tradition stretching back to the fires lit to welcome the arrival of King William lll.

“These should be positive cultural celebrations and we support those within our community that wish to celebrate their culture by continuing with that tradition in a peaceful, positive, and safe way.

“The placing of flags, effigies or other items on bonfires is not part of that tradition and should not take place.”

Meanwhile, UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said: “This image is sickening, deplorable and entirely out of step with what is supposed to be a cultural celebration.

“I condemn it without reservation and urge those responsible to remove it forthwith.”

However, prominent loyalist activist Jamie Bryson insisted the display was a form of “artistic protest”.

“Every year Moygashel bonfire combines artistic protest with their cultural celebration,” he posted on X.

“Their yearly art has itself become a tradition.

“This year the focus is on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.”

The Moygashel bonfire has become well known in recent years for contentious displays.

Last year, a mock police car was burnt on the top of the bonfire, and in 2023 a boat designed to represent the post-Brexit Irish Sea economic border was torched.

On the 2023 one, a sign was placed declaring the Good Friday Agreement ‘null and void’, along with a picture of Leo Varadkar.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are aware of an item placed on a bonfire at the Moygashel area. Inquiries are continuing.”

Justice minister and Alliance leader Naomi Long said: “Can understand bonfires as an expression of culture when they are safe, legal and respectful.

“But images from the Moygashel bonfire are just sick.

“There is nothing cultural about racism and inhumanity. This race to the bottom and pushing the boundaries each year needs to stop.”

The group United Against Racism Belfast said: “In a context of widespread violence against migrants and their homes, the burning of effigies is a precursor to the burning of people.

“Given recent events in Ballymena, and our own recent history, we must be alive to the real dangers that such acts carry.

“This is an absolutely shocking attempt to intimidate people who are fleeing war, poverty and persecution. It deserves unreserved and unequivocal condemnation, and United Against Racism calls on political representatives to show leadership to ensure the effigy is removed.

“United Against Racism is not only concerned with the offensive messaging involved. We are concerned that a toxic and violent atmosphere is being whipped up that could likely result in a pogrom against migrants and minorities. An urgent response is required.

“We know from the success of recent anti-racism mobilisations that these actions do not represent the majority in Moygashel or in any other community.

“This majority must be cohered and mobilised into a movement which can isolate the racist and bigots. We call on all progressives to unite in this cause.”

The Moygashel tower is one of an estimated 300 bonfires that will be lit in loyalist areas across Northern Ireland on the nights of July 10 and 11.

In Belfast, electricity network provider NIE Networks said it has put mitigations in place at a substation in the south of the city to reduce the risk of damage from a nearby bonfire.

The PSNI said it “continues to work with our partner agencies, community representatives and landowners to address community safety”.