POLITICIANS in the North of Ireland have hit out at proposals to fly a neutral flag over the Government buildings.
A report suggested that a neutral civic flag could be flown over the North of Ireland’s parliament at Stormont on the days where the Government is in session – but the suggestion was slammed by both unionist and nationalist sides.
In the report, compiled by Consultants Policy Arc for the Assembly Commission, it was stated: “There is a chill factor for those from a nationalist or republican community which makes the building less welcoming on days when the Union flag is flying... it was reported that visitors (to Stormont) had regularly commented likewise.”
It went on to suggest that a “neutral, civic flag” agreed on by the North of Ireland’s political parties could be considering by the Commission.
“To suggest that Stormont is somehow full of unionist symbols which cause huge offence to nationalist visitors is, frankly, nonsense,” TUV’s Andrew Girvin said.
The Union Jack currently flies over Stormont on 18 designated days per year, including St Patrick's Day – 14 of those days celebrate Britain’s monarchy.
Politicians from both sides of the divide in Stormont have reacted negatively to the recommendations of a neutral flag.
“Northern Ireland has a flag. It's called the Union flag,” said Paula Bradley of the DUP. “I would rather people accepted this reality and stopped placing so much focus on flags.”
Sinn Féin also stated their opposition to the move, saying they would support flying to flag of both communities in the North of Ireland.
“We support the flying of the Irish tricolour alongside the Union flag at Parliament Buildings in the interests of equality, parity of esteem and recognition and respect of both main traditions," the party said in a statement.
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