01/07/2015

Residents And Businesses Angry Over Flying Of Flags In Belfast

Residents and business owners in Belfast have expressed anger over the flying of flags in the Ormeau Road area.

The SDLP is meeting with the PSNI to discuss the issue this week.

MLA for south Belfast Claire Hanna is calling for an update Flags Protocol from the Northern Ireland Executive (NIE).

Ms Hanna said: "I accept that flags are an important part of identity for some people and respect their right to fly a legal flag outside their home. They have no right, however, to fly flags in this way on public furniture, especially in harmonious, well integrated areas like this. It is at best insensitive territory marking and interpreted by many as coat trailing and intimidation.

"We need a consistent approach to this issue, and ultimately we need political leadership and an updated Flags Protocol from the NI Executive, as well as a coherent strategy on tackling sectarianism."

(CD/JP)

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