PSNI confirm investigation into erection of ‘sinister’ posters in NI towns

Police have confirmed they are investigating the erection of ‘sinister’ posters depicting an armed woman behind a Union flag which have appeared in a number of NI towns.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 8th Feb 2021, 09:56 BST
Updated 8th Feb 2021, 14:07 BST
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One of the posters, which shows a woman with a rifle and states ‘Time to Decide’, was placed outside the Lurgan offices of Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd.

Others have appeared across Lurgan, Portadown and Banbridge town centres as well as Armagh and Loughgall.

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Upper Bann MLA Mr O’Dowd said he has asked the police to investigate.

Controversial posters have appeared in Lurgan and Portadown, including outside Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd's office.Controversial posters have appeared in Lurgan and Portadown, including outside Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd's office.
Controversial posters have appeared in Lurgan and Portadown, including outside Sinn Fein Upper Bann MLA John O'Dowd's office.

“The posters appear to be replicas of a historical poster of the 1912 period when thousand of guns were illegally landed in Ireland by the UVF.

“The addition of the term ‘Time to Decide’ is seen by many as a call to repeat the use of the gun in modern day Irish politics.

“The police need to investigate those responsible for the erection of these posters and their motivation.

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“The promotion of the gun in today’s Ireland is totally unacceptable and should be condemned by all.”

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 7th February 2021 Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyePress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 7th February 2021 Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 7th February 2021 Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said: “I’m aware posters have been erected in Lurgan but I certainly don’t know anyone who is suggesting violence as a course of action.

“Violence has proved over and over to be futile and ends only in broken homes and lives. The Protocol will be opposed by peaceful and democratic means. We have a strong argument, and we will make it heard.

“Of course, there is no place for the gun in politics today just as there was no justification for the use of guns in the 70s, 80s and 90s. There was never justification for violence yet Sinn Fein spend most weekends celebrating and glorifying the people who used guns to murder innocent men, women and children.

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“Many people will look at John O’Dowd’s comments with a sense of irony given the repeated PIRA glorifications, sponsored by his Party which have sole purpose of celebrating the use of guns.”

Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeAnti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Alliance Cllr Peter Lavery said: “Over the weekend a number of posters were erected on lampposts across Lurgan which aim to incite tensions.

“I have been in contact with the PSNI and Department for Infrastructure asking that the posters be removed.

“Those who are seeking to exploit ongoing difficulties for their own gain need to take a step back before someone gets hurt.

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“We need to continue to work together as a community to resolve problems for the betterment of us all.”

Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeAnti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Anti Irish Sea border placard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh. The Irish Sea border was introduced between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK following the introduction of Brexit at the start of this year. The border, which has custom checks, has affected trade over the last number of weeks between the two jurisdictions. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has raised the erection of sinister posters in Lurgan with police and has called on them to investigate this matter urgently.

This is a time for cool heads! Some in political leadership have failed miserably this week, I hope they catch themselves on quickly for all our sakes.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police are investigating reports of posters erected at a number of locations in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area.

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“The reports of posters in the Lurgan, Banbridge, Portadown, Loughgall and Armagh areas were received on Sunday 7 February.”

Inspector Rocks said: “Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 823 of 07/02/21.”

“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

“Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”

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Anti NI protocol graffiti threatening port staff condemned Read full story here

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