The lack of backlash against the rising popularity of pro-IRA is “really disturbing,” according to the editor of a newspaper in the North.

Tens of thousands turned up to see the Wolfe Tones at Electric Picnic on Saturday, singing along to the controversial lyrics of Celtic Symphony, which includes chants of 'Oh, ah, up the Ra.'

This followed a segment on BBC News being cut short during its coverage of Team Ireland’s homecoming celebrations on O’Connell Street earlier this month due to a number of children chanting the same lyrics.

On The Hard Shoulder today, Belfast Newsletter editor Ben Lowry said he is surprised there hasn’t been more controversy surrounding recent uses of the tune.

“I think it’s really disturbing that there isn’t more of a backlash against this in the Republic,” he said.

“My feeling is that Unionists should say, ‘Listen, there isn’t a new Ireland emerging here.’

“In fact, the reverse is happening; the Ireland that wouldn’t have dreamt of doing this years ago is now seeing this as harmless.”

No exaggeration to say it’s one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever seen for any @EPfestival gig pic.twitter.com/dtGEXLhPGr

— Andrea Gilligan (@andreagilligan) August 18, 2024

Mr Lowry said the same situation isn’t happening across the divide in the north.

“There is no inclination within Unionism towards singing hardcore loyalist songs,” he said.

“Of course, there are situations in which loyalists have sung those songs, but it isn't something that's growing.

“It’s something that, even when it did appear at football matches, was seen as unacceptable and pushed away.

“Imagine people singing, for example, triumphalist pro-Parachute Regiment or pro-British Army songs in Derry with the historical wounds there.”

“I actually think the biggest problem is not merely that this is happening, but the attitude towards it. People think it’s all a bit harmless, but I think it’s a very bad situation.”

Grace, The Wolfe Tones and a sunny Sunday at Electric Picnic 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/0w409YQ2JP

— Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) August 18, 2024

Irish Times journalist Ronan McGreevey said it is a generational issue.

“The generation under the age of 35 probably doesn’t know very much about the Troubles,” he said.

“In fact, there was a survey carried out recently by The Sunday Times, which found that more people under the age of 35 actually thought that the British Army killed the most people during the Troubles.

“In reality, it was the Provisional IRA that killed half the people during the Troubles, while the British Army killed 10%. I think that’s something we need to be focusing on.”

Around 75,000 people attended this Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co Laois, over the weekend.

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Main image: The Wolfe Tones pictured on Main Stage at Electric Picnic with thousands of festival goers in attendance. Image: Twitter/X @wolfetones