Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson and the builders of a controversial bonfire with a PSNI car on top have defended the display as an act of ‘cultural expression’ with an ‘artistic message’.
A mock-up police car placed on top of a bonfire which features the faces of Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly and former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been constructed in Moygashel, Co Tyrone ahead of the Twelfth in the village.
The silver Vauxhall Vectra was placed on top of the bonfire on Tuesday night along with the pictures of the current and former elected representatives.
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The same bonfire made headlines last year after it had a boat placed on top protesting against the ‘Irish Sea Border’ in a nod to unionist grievances over post-Brexit trading arrangements.
In a social media post, the Moygashel Bonfire Association said the appearance of the police vehicle is not intended to ‘offend or threaten’.
“A mock-up police car occupied by Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly was placed on top of Moygashel bonfire this year as a political statement to highlight the strong opposition currently felt among loyalists towards the union dismantling ‘Donaldson Deal’,” it said.
“Lets be clear, our bonfire ‘topper’ is not intended to offend or threaten but is merely a political assertion combined with cultural expression.”
“Moygashel Bonfire association do not seek funding for their bonfire celebrations. We prefer to self fund and use the occasion to highlight the injustices and hardships imposed on the Loyalist and Unionist community.
“Moygashel bonfire celebration remains a family friendly event which is widely supported. We continue to be overwhelmed by the ever increasing support and attendance each year by those who share similar views and wish to celebrate their culture in a family friendly and peaceful environment.”
Loyalist activist Bryson, writing on X (formerly Twitter) said the appearance of the police car on the bonfire was the ‘same thing’ as Kneecap - the Irish language rap group who have risen to prominence in recent years. “Was delighted to attend and speak at this bonfire last year, always a fabulous event with a topical artistic message,” Mr Bryson said.
“It’s a bit like ‘Kneecap’, who the elite salivate over. Same thing. Good for the goose, good for the gander.”
In another post on X, Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said the placing of the police vehicle on top of the bonfire was ‘truly pathetic’.
“This is absolutely disgraceful. Those responsible undermine their own cries for cultural respect,” Mr Beattie said.
The PSNI’s District Commander for Mid Ulster, Superintendent Michael O’Loan said: “Police are aware of a vehicle being placed on a bonfire in the Main Road area of Moygashel.
“We will continue to engage with the landowner, statutory partners and the local community to ensure members of the public and residents are kept safe.”
