01/06/2012

'Fly Flag Only Some Days' - Leaked Report

A leaked draft report said Belfast City Hall should fly the Union flag only on certain days of the year, to promote good relations.

The independent report said flying the Irish tricolour together with the Union flag would be the least favourable option of four, the BBC has reported.

The report was prepared by Policy Arc Ltd ahead of a public consultation on flags, after issues raised by Sinn Fein.

The party said City Hall should not continue to fly the Union flag every day, as it does now.

The four options considered were to flying on designated days such as the Queen's birthday, to fly on designated days plus extra days where appropriate, to fly no flag or a new neutral flag, or to fly the Irish tricolour alongside the Union flag.

Political parties on the council are divided on the question.

A public consultation is expected to begin on June 6.

The leaked report showed that in a survey of 400 people taken last September, 72% of Protestants said they felt pleased, proud or comfortable to see the Union flag flying every day, compared to just 12% of Catholics.

About 20% of Catholics said the flag made them feel uncomfortable and 12% said they felt offended by it, but a small majority of Catholics – 56% - had no feelings on the issue of the flag.

(NE/GK)

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