The public burning of flags and emblems in an attempt to insult and provoke different sections of the community has caused widespread concern for some time
Both loyalists and republicans have engaged in similarly unacceptable behaviour over recent weeks, with the latest episode involving the placing of poppy wreaths on a bonfire in the Bogside area of Derry.
When well documented health and safety issues are also taken into consideration, it should be clear that a new policy, which may well involve criminal prosecutions, is required over unregulated pyres.
The low key approach taken by the authorities this summer has not worked and needs to be comprehensively reviewed.
