Sectarian “tensions” in Derry “rising at an alarming rate”, warns unionist politician

A UUP councillor pointed to the burning of flags and symbols on bonfires, fights organised on social media, and teens “roaming streets” at night time

Sectarian tensions between Catholic and Protestant youths in Derry are “rising at an alarming rate”, a unionist politician has warned.

UUP councillor Darren Guy pointed to the burning of flags and symbols on republican bonfires at the weekend with fights organised on social media, the theft of flags, and teenagers “roaming the streets” in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Guy, whose name was placed on a bonfire in the Waterside area of the city that was set alight at the weekend, was speaking after appeals failed for a historic flag to be returned before the bonfires were lit.

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There were bonfires in several largely nationalist and republican areas of the city over the weekend. A bonfire in the Creggan had a placard placed on it with the name of a young Protestant boy, Kyle Bonnes, who sadly died after drowning in the River Faughan in 2010. The name of a senior PSNI detective who was shot several times while off duty in Omagh in 2023, John Caldwell, had also been placed on the placard.

While that was removed from the Creggan bonfire, there was widespread condemnation.

And there were several last-ditch appeals for the return of an historic crimson flag believed to have been taken from St Columb’s Cathedral, including from the independent republican councillor Gary Donnelly.

“Folks twelve years ago an historic Apprentice Boys flag that was taken from St Columb’s Cathedral was returned after I had a conversation with young people at a bonfire in Creggan,” Mr Donnelly said in a social media post on Friday.

“The plain red crimson flag was hoisted in the early 1700s and flies at the east of the cathedral. Recently the same flag was taken from the Cathedral. Attempts to locate it have failed and i would ask at this 11th hour if anyone knows where this is and has any influence could they use it to have this flag returned to the Cathedral.

“This may not be a very respectable appeal within our community and while it is an understatement that I have very little in common with British loyal orders, the flag in question although a replica is centuries old, is a historical article and should be returned to the place of worship.”

The flag has not been returned. A United States flag that had been taken from a local school, meanwhile, is “in the process of being returned”.

UUP councillor Darren Guy, in a statement following the burning of the bonfires over the weekend, said: “First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to those who made efforts to have the crimson flag returned to St. Columb’s Cathedral and the historically significant US flag restored to Foyle College. Sadly, these appeals were ignored. The theft of the crimson flag from a place of worship is a disgrace, and those responsible should feel deep shame.

“However, I am now of the understanding that the US flag is in the process of being returned to Foyle College.”

“Regarding the burning of poppy wreaths: I understand that some within the nationalist community do not support the symbolism of the poppy. That is their right, and I respect their freedom to hold that view. But that’s where it should end. Those of us who choose to honour our fallen through the poppy should be allowed to do so without interference. To steal wreaths just 30 minutes after a memorial service and then burn them is not protest—it’s a violation of basic decency. Respect must go both ways. It is hard-earned but easily lost.”

He continued: “The actions of a small, bigoted group of youths this week have taken sectarianism to disturbing new heights. The inclusion of young Kyle Bonnes name on a bonfire retraumatised his grieving family. The targeting of ex-DCI John Caldwell and a serving PSNI officer—complete with a degrading banner—was appalling. Even my own name appeared on the Gobnascale bonfire, accompanied by crosshairs and insults. These young men are wasting their lives, consumed by hatred for those who may differ in belief but are, in truth, not so different.”

“Let me be absolutely clear: I believe both communities have the right to hold bonfires as part of their cultural expression. But the burning of flags, emblems, and issuing threats to members of the public, PSNI officers, or elected representatives is abhorrent and indefensible. Communities like Nelson Drive and Irish Street have taken commendable steps in the past to eliminate the burning of flags and emblems from their bonfires. I sincerely hope they continue on that path—and they deserve recognition for doing so.”

He added: “Sectarian tensions between Catholic and Protestant youths in our city are rising at an alarming rate. Social media is being used to arrange fights; memorials and murals are being vandalised; flags are being stolen from private property, causing damage to homes and vehicles. While flags are often taken from lampposts, theft from private property is a criminal act that includes damage. These incidents are happening in the dead of night—between 3am and 6am. Why are 14-year-olds roaming the streets at these hours? Do their parents know? Do Social Services? This cannot continue. If we don’t act now, someone will be seriously hurt—or worse.

“I call on community leaders, parents, educators, and public agencies to come together and confront this growing crisis. We must foster respect, restore accountability, and build a future where our young people are guided by hope, not hatred.”

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