The scenes in parts of Northern Ireland during so-called celebrations for July 12th are akin to the Ku Klux Klan.

That's according to commentator Joe Brolly, who speaking after an effigy of the region's First Minister-designate Michelle O'Neill was placed on a bonfire.

The PSNI say they are aware of the incident and are investigating.

There has also been condemnation of the appearance of election posters and Irish Tricolour flags on fires.

This article contains language and descriptions some readers may find disturbing

Joe Brolly described some of the scenes to The Hard Shoulder.

"For too long all of this has been tolerated, and it's very important to call it out.

"We essentially have the Ku Klux Klan operating in the North.

"We've lodge members singing about a murdered Catholic girl, and feeling confident enough to put that video out there.

"Bandsmen yesterday smashing up a house in the university area, in front of the police, throwing a wheelie bin through the window.

"Signs on all of the mega bonfires saying 'Kill all Catholics, kill all Taigs. We're not racist, we just don't like ni**ers'.

"Face painters painting 'Kill all Taigs' on kids faces at the bonfires.

"This is where we are with this: in Belfast city centre, a band gathered round on the main street in broad daylight and sang 'I'd rather be a Paki than a Taig' to great applause and delight from the crowd".

Joe says this wouldn't be allowed anywhere else.

"Could you imagine a St Patrick's Day parade in Dublin attacking a Protestant church, or attacking a home, or singing racist songs?

"A big problem is the lack of leadership - so we've got Jeffrey Donaldson, Arlene Foster - people like that who are confirmedly sectarian, who do not call this out.

"There's not been a single word against this.

"What you'll start to hear now over the next week or two is the apologies for it".

He adds: "We must advance towards a shared future - but it's very, very difficult unless this stuff is called out".