Anger after super-sized effigy burned by loyalists in Tyrone public car park

The figure of Lundy, branded as a traitor by loyalists, was emblazoned with a placard and burned in front of a crowd.

Sinn Féin MLA Phil Flanagan described the incident as completely unacceptable.

“The burning of effigies has very sinister connotations and should be condemned by all right thinking people”, he said.

“The fact that this burning took place in a council owned car park is even more alarming and I have requested a meeting with the Chief Executive of Mid Ulster Council to discuss this matter and ensure that such disgraceful activities are not repeated.

“Not only does send out a very poor message across the community, but allowing such activities to take place in a public car park will have lasting damage on the car park itself.”

The council has called on statutory agencies, landowners, the PSNI and the Fire Service to work with it in outlawing the burning of hazardous waste at bonfires. It also warned that organisers should remove offensive material from bonfires.

Councillors have vowed to tackle the illegal burning of tyres at bonfires and have widened the prohibition to include rubbish, flags, election posters and effigies of individuals.

In July, Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew expressed disgust after an effigy of herself was set alight in Moygashel

The image of Ms Gildernew, the former Agriculture Minister, appeared on the bonfire along with a poster saying: “Sinn Féin scum hands off our culture’ and ‘public hanging at 10.30pm”.

Robert Lundy, who once held the title of governor of Derry, gained his reputation for treachery due to his surrender to the Jacobite army.