Sir, – Your detailed report on the Moygashel bonfire reveals some disturbing points of view and political opinions prevalent in Northern Ireland, (Loyalist bonfire lit early after police begin to remove mosque replica, July 10th).Amid all the condemnation and despite it being the subject of a criminal investigation, the DUP is alone in not referring to the matter as a hate crime. They have preferred to comment to the effect that they “support the right of people to express lawful political opinions” and they describe bonfires as a “historic and cultural tradition”.The PSNI has classified the bonfire a “hate-motivated offence” and the Northern Ireland secretary has called it “a sickening and cowardly act of intimidation”.The Moygashel bonfire association remains unapologetic, calling the bonfire an act of lawful political protest. I have not seen any comment from the Orange Order.In the context of the current debate on the constitutional and economic challenges surrounding a united Ireland, I am afraid that there are more basic human rights issues that need urgent attention in some quarters in Northern Ireland before we move on to flags and emblems. – Yours, etc,MARTIN McDONALD,Terenure,Dublin 12