Ulster Unionist MP apologises for tweeting photo of Twelfth bonfire topped with Tricolour

ULSTER UNIONIST PARTY MP Danny Kinahan has apologised for approvingly tweeting a photo of him in front of a Twelfth bonfire with a Tricolour at its peak ready to be burned. Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness had tweeted earlier that the UUP MP’s tweet was  “very disappointing”.

The tweet shows the “Ladyhill Bonfire Group” in front of their bonfire handing a cheque to the UUP MP for a meningitis charity.

The Ulster Unionist MP said in his tweet:

“Well done Ladyhill Bonfire Group. Donation to Meningitis NI & great turnout from families and local groups.”

The bonfire also bears a banner with the slogan: “Ladyhill. No funding. No culture erosion. No surrender.”

Later, the Ulster Unionist MP said he accepted it had been an error in judgement but said the flag was removed from the bonfire before it was lit.

“What I wanted to get across was here was a family, rural bonfire scene and they'd raised £600 for meningitis.

“They were having fun and this is Protestant culture – let’s recognise each other’s cultures and get on with it.

“I should have had the flag taken down before the photograph but it’s really to get the point across. Let’s recognise each other’s cultures, let’s look after them, be tolerant and let’s get on, enjoy our lives.”

Danny Kinahan is the UUP MP for South Antrim, a former officer in the British Army and is Chair of the Westminster All-Party Parliamentary Group on Education.