A CAVALCADE of cars in Derry “celebrating” the death of Queen Elizabeth has been branded a “display of hatred”.
Organised through social media, those supporting the event urged people to gather at Creggan shops at 9pm on Thursday, hours after the death of the British monarch was announced.
The motorcade then made its way through Creggan and into the Bogside with the vehicles sounding their horns. It is understood police monitored the event.
Derry DUP assembly member Gary Middleton said those behind the demonstration were “more to be pitied than anything else” and were completely at odds with the mood of both communities in Ireland.
Mr Middleton said: “I don’t know how many took part but they are more to be pitied than anything else. The outpouring of grief since the queen died has come from both communities in Northern Ireland.
“The key feeling has been one of decency and kindness but it’s sad that some people think it’s appropriate to respond in this way.”
The MLA added: “What I have seen over the past 24 hours is messages of support for the royal family, and not just from unionists but from others who had a respect for Queen Elizabeth. The cavalcade is just distasteful and a display of hatred,” he said.
Sinn Féin mayor of Derry Sandra Duffy opened a book of condolence at the city’s Guildhall in memory of the queen.
A second book of condolence was opened at the Alley Theatre in Strabane while the Church of Ireland also opened a sympathy book at St Columb’s Cathedral in Derry.
