DUP MLA hits out at big-screen tribute to former IRA prisoner during closing Féile event

Belfast Telegraph

a day ago

On Sunday night at Falls Park, the band Shebeen played a song written by Brendan 'Bik' McFarlane in memory of hunger striker Bobby Sands.
McFarlane, who died earlier this year following a short illness, was sentenced to life in prison in 1976 for his role in an attack on the Bayardo Bar on Aberdeen Street in Belfast which killed five people and injured more than 60
He was Officer Commanding of the IRA in the Maze Prison during the 1981 hunger strikes and in 1983 he took part in a break-out from the prison and went on the run.
McFarlane was re-captured in 1986 and was released from prison in 1997.
During Shebeen's performance on Sunday night, an image of McFarlane was also projected on a large screen on the stage to the 12,000-strong crowd in attendance at the event.
Speaking about the scenes, the DUP's North Belfast MLA Philip Brett said: 'McFarlane was not a hero.
'He was a convicted terrorist who bore responsibility for murder and destruction, including his role in the Bayardo Bar bombing, which claimed the lives of five people and injured many more.
'Such attempts to romanticise the actions of the IRA are an insult to the families left bereaved and communities still dealing with the scars of violence.
'When Sinn Féin previously attempted to eulogise Brendan McFarlane, I set the record straight — and I will continue to stand up for victims every single time.
'Victims deserve better than selective outrage and silence from those who claim to hold truth to account.
'We owe it to victims to tell the truth: Brendan McFarlane was part of a campaign of violence which devastated lives. No amount of music, speeches, or banners will erase that reality.'
Watch: Kneecap member makes surprise appearance at Féile concert
In a statement, Féile an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble said: 'This year's Féile an Phobail saw the biggest Féile ever held.
"In total around 130,000 people attended this year's August Féile.
'This year was a record year with record attendances across all our events.
'Over 600 events took place at 50 venues, including over 90 debates and discussions, 130 Trad Trail music sessions, 90 art exhibitions, a host of literary, sporting and theatre events, a massive carnival parade with over 6,000 people in attendance, and a series of family events.
'Our Falls Park events space hosted six 12,000 capacity outdoor concerts.
'Our nature and environment events, children's events, tours and walks also had record attendances this year.
'Also significantly, due to the hard work and commitment of Féile staff and volunteers, community organisations, political representatives and Belfast City Council, and the support of our young people and the local community, Belfast was bonfire free on 8th August.
"All those involved in achieving this deserve praise. In past years these unwanted bonfires have brought destruction and an increase in anti-social behaviour to the areas in which they were held.
'The benefit of the absence of these unwanted bonfires on 8th August is significant. As well as the positive images emanating from the festival events showcasing Belfast in a positive light, there is also the considerable benefit to the city's economy which the associated increase in visitor footfall and spending over the duration of the festival brings to the city, over £6 million last year alone.
'Over the last 37 years, Féile has a proven track record of delivering significant social, cultural and economic benefits to the city of Belfast, and this increases year on year.
'This year, representatives from all communities were welcomed to Féile to have their voice heard, both as spectators and participants.
'All political persuasions attended and participated in various panel discussions, as did representatives from minority ethnic communities, and international visitors.
"Féile an Phobail includes all opinions and provides a platform for many different views."