Republican ex-prisoners say internment bonfires ‘not in our name’

THERE has been widespread criticism from republican ex-prisoners of bonfires in nationalist areas on the eve of the anniversary of internment without trial imposed by the unionist government and the British Army on 9 August 1971.

The Irish Republican Felons’ Association said in a Facebook post:

“Disappointing to see a number of bonfires appear in Belfast and other areas in recent days.

“They are not about Irish republicanism and they are not about internment.

“They are unwanted by communities and more times than not built by those who are involved in anti-community behaviour and crime year round. These bonfires are simply more of the same.

“Féile an Phobail and many other local community projects provide a great platform for enjoyment and positive expressions. We fully support Féile and all those other groups who are working tirelessly for the betterment of communities.

“These destructive and unwanted bonfires that often go hand in hand with car crime and other such activities are unwanted, and not in the name of our communities or Irish republicanism.

“NOT IN OUR NAME,” Sinn Féin MLA Fra McCann said under a photograph of a bonfire with a large Union Jack flag on it to be burned, mirroring its unionist and loyalist counterparts:

“I’m a life-long community activist, proud former internee and ex-IRA prisoner. I have spent my whole life in the Falls. My love for our community goes deeper than that.”

Jennifer McCann MLA (pictured), another republican ex-prisoner, tweeted last night:

“Out with @charleneoharasf @mickgeo3 @CSNP tonight. Sad we still see bonfires in spite of all the positive work being done in communities.”