David Quinn wants to keep the Pantibar sign erect

In an interesting turn of events, David Quinn of the Iona Institute has come out in support of keeping the Pantibar sign on Capel St which has been the subject of complaints and may be taken down by Dublin City Council (DCC).

Perhaps this will surprise some, but I reckon the sign outside the Pantibar should be allowed to remain in place. @PantiBliss

— David Quinn (@DavQuinn) June 20, 2016

Just in case this tweet is taken down at a later date, here’s a screen grab of it:

Panti took note of the tweet by posting it on Facebook saying: “I’ll admit to being one of the surprised.”

The comments underneath Panti’s post on Facebook are very tongue in cheek, with Panti supporters coming out with humorous remarks.

While we should take David Quinn at face value, the gay online community may feel more inclined to vilify the No campaign poster boy. One person has used a meme from Star Wars which suggests “It’s a trap!”

Another commenter indicates that it acts as a shining beacon to steer gay men away from the siren’s call of temptation that is Pantibar:

While others still doubt the intentions of David Quinn who’s attitude toward marriage equality last year left a sour taste in many LGBT people’s mouths:

Previously Panti took to social media to protest DCC’s decision: “There is nothing cheap or thoughtless about any of Pantibar’s visual communication. I love good design, I love Capel Street. I love Dublin (and wish it weren’t blighted by cheap signage that adds nothing to the cityscape). And I fucking LOVE our beautiful sign.”

Here’s the sign compared to a billboard directly opposite Pantibar:

Panti Bliss, aka Rory O’Neill, is due to appear before the DCC to appeal the decision to take down the sign. The DCC maintain that proper planning permission to erect the LED illuminated Pantibar sign was not granted, and as such the sign is in violation of planning codes.

We’re rooting for you Panti, we’re all rooting for you, even David Quinn!