THERE has been a call for zero tolerance on displays of "sectarian hate and bigotry" at loyalist bonfires after images of Stormont first minister designate Michelle O'Neill and other nationalist politicians appeared on 11th Night pyres.
As final preparations were made at bonfire sites across the north, flags, election posters and even an effigy of Ms O'Neill were among items placed on the structures, with images being shared on social media by bonfire builders.
Police said they were treating it as a hate crime and were liaising with community representatives about having the material removed.
The effigy of Ms O'Neill appeared on a bonfire in Dungannon's Eastvale Avenue area, alongside Irish tricolors, while another bonfire in west Belfast's Forthriver area displayed election posters of Ms O'Neill, west Belfast MLA Aisling Reilly and Sinn Féin councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly.
Among images posted to the Loyalist Eastvale Avenue Bonfire Dungannon Facebook page was one of the pyre alongside a caption stating: "Guest appearance Michelle O'Neill".
Read more: What are eleventh night bonfires in Northern Ireland?
Last year an 11th bonfire in Carrickfergus was condemned for featuring an effigy of Ms O'Neill along with other female politicians,
In the Rathcoole area of Newtownabbey, a ramshackle bonfire topped with sofas displayed a placard bearing the name of Sinn Féin Antrim and Newtownabbey councillor Taylor McGrann on Tuesday. Alongside the placard, which featured the word “scum”, an effigy of a person hanging by a noose was placed. Police said they were treating the incident as a hate crime.
Read more: What are eleventh night bonfires in Northern Ireland?
In pictures: Eleventh night bonfires
Antrim's Steeple estate saw a bonfire featuring both SDLP and Sinn Féin election posters, while in the Drumahoe area outside Derry, a large pyre was draped with numerous flags including the Irish tricolour and the flag of the Basque Country.
One of the largest bonfires is located in Craigyhill, Larne.
Scores of parades will take place across Northern Ireland later.
The main demonstrations will take place at 18 venues, including Belfast as well as Bangor, Co Down, Ballymena, Co Antrim, Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh and Magherafelt, Co Derry.
An estimated half-a-million people are expected to participate or spectate.
A statement from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said they received 147 emergency 999 calls between 6pm on Tuesday and 2am on Wednesday – a drop of 28% on last year.
They said 34 of the calls were bonfire-related, one less than last year.
The PSNI tweeted one person had been taken to hospital after an incident at a bonfire in the Portaferry Road area of Newtownards.
Condemning the image of Michelle O'Neill in Dungannon, local Sinn Féin councillor Dominic Molloy said: "It's a sad reflection of those who placed that effigy there. It's hard to believe that this is how some choose to celebrate their culture.”
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein MLA and Policing Board member Gerry Kelly said he had reported the Rathcoole placard as a hate crime.
“None of this behaviour represents legitimate expressions of culture. These are sectarian hate crimes," Mr Kelly said.
“Our society needs to adopt a zero tolerance against such displays of sectarian hate and bigotry.
“All bonfires should be subject to proper legal regulation and enforcement; based upon existing environmental legislation; permission and approval; respect for public and private property; public health considerations; and community safety."
He added: “There is an onus on unionist political and community leaders to stand up against these displays of sectarian hatred and make it clear that there is no place for them in this society.”
Speaking of the Rathcoole pyre, North Belfast DUP MLA Philip Brett said in a tweet on Tuesday: "I condemn without reservation the appearance of this sign. It stands in stark contrast to the wonderful family events that took place throughout the estate, enjoyed by 100s of residents. Those responsible need to remove this sign immediately."
Sir Jeffrey said the burning of flags or election posters are “self-inflicted wounds” for unionists.
“For those of us who do cherish the legacy of the Glorious Revolution then the best way to show that to others is through peaceful and positive celebrations,” he said.
“Those don’t include the burning of flags or election posters on a bonfire, but thankfully in the vast majority of cases that does not happen.
“Unfortunately, it will be a minority of cases where offence is caused that will dominate the headlines.
“As unionists we need to recognise that such incidents are self-inflicted wounds.
