(Editorial, Irish News)

As the Twelfth of July 'celebrations' approach, so the erection of arches and the preparation of bonfires has gathered pace.

Both of these activities have been contentious to varying degrees down through the years. This year is no different.

There is of course a safety issue, particularly in relation to bonfires, which in many cases become simply an excuse for a drinking binge and at which violence, injuries and death have occurred in the past.

There is also the issue of the damage that can be done to roads and walkways by bonfires – many of them huge – and the mess they leave to be cleared up by the statutory agencies.

Surely it is time for people with influence within loyalist communities to re-examine both of these practices, not just because of their legal status but because time moves on and what was acceptable in the 17th century is not such a good idea hundreds of years later.

This article appeared first in the July 2, 2003 edition of the Irish News.

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