Stewart Dickson MLA said: “This is a hate filled crime which is an example of gross intolerance. It is hypocritical for the organisers of these bonfires to call for respect for their culture when they are burning posters of politicians.
“The people who are seeking to burn our posters are obviously threatened by our message of building a shared future free from the divisions of the past. Their actions will not stop us from working to bring an end to the politics of ‘them and us’.
“I would call on the organisers of these bonfires to remove these posters.
“I am also concerned that some bonfires include a large amount of tyres. This poses a serious health risk to those watching the bonfire and those in the surrounding area, including young people.
“This is not about stopping bonfires taking place, but ensuring that they are built in a respectful and safe manner.”
ENDS