Every restriction on loyalist culture is unfinished business Jamie Bryson says at Moygashel bonfire which attracts controversy due to inclusion of Irish flag and picture of Leo Varadkar

Police are investigating the incident as a “hate crime”.

The towering pyre in Moygashel, themed as an anti-Northern Ireland Protocol bonfire, attracted attention online after a boat was placed on the top of it.

By Saturday evening, an Irish tricolour and a republican flag, as well as a picture of Mr Varadkar, had been added on the boat.

The PSNI has confirmed it is investigating the incident.

Chief Inspector John Keers said: “We received a report on Saturday evening, July 8, in relation to material placed on a bonfire in the Main Road area of Moygashel.

“Police are treating this as a hate crime.”

The boat had been put on top of the bonfire using specialist heavy machinery with a telescopic arm.

Organisers said that as well as serving as a fun spectacle the boat also demonstrated the group’s objection to a sea border.

On the side of the boat a banner reading ‘Good Friday Agreement? That ship has sailed’ was taped, with a mock copy of the 1998 accord across which the words ‘null and void’ were printed.

Ulster Unionist leader Mr Beattie tweeted: “This is not acceptable, it is childish and promotes hate. Again the many are let down by a few.”

Many others took to social media to criticise the flag and picture of the taoiseach being put on top of the pyre.

The bonfire was lit at around 11pm after a parade and an address by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson.

During his speech Mr Bryson said: “Those who say that the cultural injustices inflicted on our community over the past decades are over, are wrong. If that were to be so, then that would mean any cultural subjugation is settled, and accepted. It is not, and must never be.

“And so it is obvious to point out that Drumcree, the Crumlin Road and every other restriction on our fundamental cultural rights is unfinished business.

“It is time to refocus our efforts to right the wrongs of the past 25 years, not to sit idly by and accepted them as being settled issues

“And so too must we never accept, tolerate or implement the subjugation of the Union brought about by the protocol and the Windsor Framework enabling it.”

He added: “I trust no self respecting unionist is considering turning or displaying weakness at this crucial time.

"If they are, they will be u-turning alone because I am absolutely convinced that the critical mass of the unionist/loyalist community will never turn on this issue, will never surrender.”

Tonight, following criticism of the bonfire, Mr Bryson said: “What those in Moygashel do at their bonfire is a matter for them. It was a phenomenal attendance of men, women and children, and I didn’t hear anyone complain.”

He said: “I will make this broad point – what sometimes happens is that cultural events are used for the making of a political protest. Burning a flag and poster of the Irish Prime Minister is not part of culture, but whether people like it or not, it is an act of political protest protected under the European Court of Human Rights.

"It may shock and offend, but that doesn’t make it unlawful.”