DERRY politicians from across the political divide have come together to demand an end to the placing of offensive material on bonfires.
In an unusual show of solidarity, the DUP, SDLP, Sinn Féin and UUP members on Derry City and Strabane District Council as well independent councillors called on all those building bonfires to respect cultural traditions.
There was widespread condemnation when the names of murdered police and prison officers were placed on a bonfire in Derry’s Bogside last August.
The bonfire followed similar incidents in unionist areas when effigies of leading Sinn Féin members, including deceased deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness were burned at loyalist July 12 celebrations.
Calling for an end to the practice, members of Derry and Strabane’s bonfire working group yesterday said they remained committed to implementing a unanimously agreed policy on bonfires.
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The members said: "As councillors coming from different backgrounds and representing all political parties and groups on the council, we want this city and district to show respect for cultural traditions, respect for the law and respect for each other".
The group said the "narrative around bonfires" needed to be changed.
"We recognise that burning flags, emblems or any material that knowingly causes offence to others cannot be justified," they said.
"This only damages community relations and impedes the already difficult process of peace building a reconciliation."
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The statement was issued in the names of Brian Tierney of the SDLP, Sinn Féin's Kevin Campbell, David Ramsey of the DUP, Ulster Unionist Derek Hussey and Independent Paul Gallagher.
They added: "We want to show everyone again that this city and district is leading the way in building a respectful, cohesive and mature place where all traditions and cultures belong side by side; where together we are great than our parts".
