Outrage in Northern Ireland. When the Democratic Unionist Party says something is extreme, you know it’s really extreme.

Not known for its moderation, in its relationship with the Catholic community in Northern Ireland, or for its views on immigration or lgbtq rights, the DUP has spoken out against a disgusting effigy of refugees in a boat, presumably crossing the English Channel, ready to be set ablaze on Thursday as part of “traditional” bonfires that celebrate Protestant supremacy and the 1690 victory of William of Orange.

The boat, sitting atop a huge array of wooden pallets, features a dozen life-sized mannequins in life jackets. Beneath, banners reading “Veterans before Refugees” and “Stop the Boats” are located.

Beyond the pale

The violence, hatred, sectarianism and bigotry that are the hallmarks of loyalism are bad enough but this is beyond the pale.

This foul attempt to demonise, to spread fear and hatred, has shocked even seasoned observers of Northern Irish politics and culture.

Amnesty International described the bonfire, to be lit at Moygashel, outside Dungannon, County Tyrone, as “a vile dehumanising act that fuels racism and hatred. Sinn Fein Assembly Member Colm Gildernew described it as “vile” and “deplorable.”

Serious threat

SDLP lesder Clare Hanna condemned the bonfire, and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill made it quite clear that such displays are entirely unjustified and pose a serious threat to local residents.

The Ulster Unionist spokesman Mike Nesbitt said the whole thing was vile, and even the more radical DUP was critical, saying that the 300 fires that occur annually should promote “positive cultural celebrations.”

Despite almost universal condemnation, the Moygashel Bonfire Committee argued that this was simply a protest about immigration.

They found support from Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson, who said that this was little more than an “artistic protest…focusing on the scandal of mass illegal immigration.”

It’s clear this involves the most extreme loyalists, who find support from fascists on the mainland – the British Democrats have been quick to boast of having activists in place at the recent violent Ballymena pogroms where migrant houses were also set ablaze.

And Tommy Robinson’s right hand man Richard Inman has been ever present there, live streaming events online.

Britain First leader Paul Golding, Tommy Robinson, and indeed most fascist and racist activists, have welcomed these acts of violence.

They have no issue with racist gang violence and petrol bomb attacks. Nor do they mind attacks on Police Service of Northern Ireland officers, many of whom have been seriously injured in recent weeks.

Loyalism of the boat-burning type has deep and terrible roots in Northern Ireland. It combines fascist political extremism with racism and terrorism.

Searchlight magazine fully supports calls to stop these racist displays from taking place.