Migrant effigy on loyalist bonfire in Tyrone labelled 'racist'

Irish Daily Mirror

09-07-2025

An 'overtly racist and threatening" display on a bonfire in Tyrone has been reported to the police - with members of the public and local councillors calling for its removal.
The display, placed atop a controversial bonfire in Moygashel, features a small boat with a number of mannequins wearing life-jackets inside it. The display is reportedly a reference to refugees and migrants who make the often dangerous journey across the English Channel from France to reach the UK.
The display also features banners reading "stop the boats", "veterans before refugees" and "stop illegal immigration', Belfast Live reports. It is planned to be set alight on Thursday at 10:30pm.
There have been widespread calls to remove the 'racist' display from the top of the bonfire, with reports being made to police since it was erected.
SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn said: "I am absolutely disgusted to see yet another overtly racist and threatening display appear on the bonfire in Moygashel.
"Dungannon is a proud, multicultural town. People from all over the world have come here to live, work, raise their families, and build a better life. They deserve respect, safety, and a sense of belonging—just like everyone else.
"Those responsible for this hateful display claim to be celebrating British culture. Let's be clear: racism and intimidation are not culture. This isn't pride—it's poison. It is an affront to every decent person in our community.
"I have reported this incident to the police. No one—no matter where they are from or what they believe—should be made to feel unsafe or unwelcome in their own home. It's long past time we challenged these toxic displays and the silence that too often surrounds them."
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew slammed the "deplorable' display. "This is an absolutely disgusting act, fuelled by sickening racist and far-right attitudes,' he shared.
'This is a clear incitement to hatred and must be removed immediately. Those who come to our island to make it their home are not the enemy.
'They are our friends, our neighbours, and are welcomed, cherished and valued by the vast majority of people here.
'Political leaders in this area must step up, call for the removal of these offensive materials and make it clear they do not support such vile, deplorable views.'
Alliance Councillor Eddie Roofe said: 'The placing of this racist model on top of the bonfire is despicable and must be removed immediately. It is nothing but a blatant act of racism and hatred, and cannot be excused as a celebration of culture. Those responsible only seek to incite fear and spread far-right beliefs and do not represent the community as a whole.
'Every year, we see incidents of hate and intimidation associated with bonfires, and this behaviour is entirely unacceptable. While Alliance supports everyone's right to celebrate their culture and traditions, these celebrations must be conducted safely and respectfully. They should never come at the expense of another person.
'I urge everyone to speak out against these actions, and I hope to see these inappropriate displays taken down as soon as possible. If we are to move forward as a society, we must all begin to show respect for one another.'
A PSNI spokesperson told Belfast Live: "Police are aware of an item placed on a bonfire at the Moygashel area. Enquiries are continuing."