T-SHIRTS commemorating hunger striker Bobby Sands and bearing the initials 'IRA' were on sale in Ballycastle during the Auld Lammas Fair.
The presence of such items during what is traditionally the highlight of the tourist season in the area has provoked a furious response from the area's DUP MLA Mervyn Storey who described them as "deeply offensive".
The t-shirts were on sale from at least one stall situated at the Quay Road on Monday.
A visitor to the fair contacted the Times to say he was shocked to see the items openly for sale.
"I'm aghast that in this day and age these things are still a
vailable during the biggest day of the year in Ballycastle," he said.
"This is supposed to be an event for all sections of the community and it is about time some people stopped trying to make a few pound and at the same time stir up tensions unnecessarily."
Mr Storey called for the immediate removal of the items and said their presence at the event demonstrated that some elements in republicanism were intent on maintaining community divisions.
"We have had this in the past with people selling such items and we need the police to make sure that any stalls doing so are closed down," he said.
"This just confirms that certain republicans are intent on perpetuating the old war and are not prepared to move forward."
But Moyle Sinn Fein councillor Paudie McShane said he had no problem with the sale of a t-shirt featuring Sands, who died following a hunger strike in 1981.
"Bobby Sands is a well-respected member of the republican community and an iconic figure," said Mr McShane.
"I have no complaints with stalls selling t-shirts with Bobby Sands on them.
"There are going to be stalls selling items which recognise different sections of the community and you can be selective if you want to find something to complain about.
"People should just get on with the day and just enjoy themselves. It's a great day for Ballycastle.
"I would be more concerned about the sale of knives in this day and age than the sale of a t-shirt."
A PSNI spokesman said on Monday that police had received no complaints regarding the sale of the t-shirts.
We were unable to contact a representative from Moyle District Council prior to going to print.
Over a hundred thousand people flock to the picturesque town each year for the Lammas Fair which originated more than three centuries ago.
The streets of Ballycastle are thronged by people eager to soak up the atmosphere of the Auld Lammas Fair - which is famed for its horse trading, stalls, dulse and yellow man.
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