Pictured: Tradesman fined for saying “Up the ‘Ra” to ex-DUP leader Edwin Poots

[https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/pictured-tradesman-fined-for-saying-up-the-ra-to-ex-dup-leader-edwin-poots/a750511785.html](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/news/pictured-tradesman-fined-for-saying-up-the-ra-to-ex-dup-leader-edwin-poots/a750511785.html)

This is the plasterer fined for saying “up the ‘Ra” to former DUP leader Edwin Poots on a flight to Scotland. Co Tyrone tradesman Mark Gallogly (35) pleaded guilty at Paisley Sheriff’s Court to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner on the aircraft as it travelled between Belfast and Glasgow.

He was fined £850 for the offence earlier this month.

Reacting to the punishment Mr Poots said the behaviour was “totally unacceptable” in the context of the conflict.

He said people’s lives had been “torn apart” during the Troubles, adding: “There is a pain that is carried by many people”.

Mr Poots said using slogans in support of paramilitary organisations was “inflicting pain” on victims of the Troubles.

added: “We were boarding a flight from Glasgow to Belfast and as I was going to my seat, the individual named said ‘up the Ra’ as I was passing.

“And this was witnessed by five or six passengers.”

Mr Poots also suggested the incident might be used to change in the law in Northern Ireland to criminalise Wolfe Tones fans who sing Celtic Symphony, which contains the words “Ooh, ah, up the ’Ra.

“Will police now be looking at the Wolfe Tones concert in west Belfast?” He mused, adding: “Why is it acceptable in this part of the United Kingdom to make these offensive chants?

“Particularly in a part of the country where people are dead because of the actions of the Provisional IRA. People think they can do this without consequence.”

The person Mr Poots contacted is reported to have arranged for the police to be waiting when the flight landed in Belfast.

Mr Gallogly, from the Glen Road, in Drumquin, nicknamed ‘Bestie’ by his pals, is a former pupil at St John’s Business & Enterprise College in Omagh and a supporter of Arsenal and Celtic football clubs.

He was initially arrested on suspicion of a hate crime but later charged with threatening or abusive behaviour.

He was charged with the lesser offence under the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.

In an earlier statement, Police Scotland said Mr Poots had been subjected to “sectarian abuse” on board a flight.

Gallogly did not respond to request for comment.

by Gazmac_868855