Flags discussions 'constructive and positive'

Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland has described a meeting with the SDLP over the issue of contentious flags as “constructive and positive”.

The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, was arranged after south Belfast MP Alistair McDonnell hit out at loyalist flags being put up in mixed areas in his constituency.

ACC McCausland said: “The issue of the display of flags is an emotive one. The display of flags to mark out geographical areas or to promote sectarianism or intimidation is wholly unacceptable in a peaceful and tolerant society.

“Over the past year we have been proactively encouraging the removal of such flags through a process of consultation, negotiation and enforcement. Community support for this initiative has been very positive and as a result we have seen a reduction in the number of flags flown but the police cannot do this alone.”

Dr McDonnell said he had urged the police to take "immediate and resolute action on flags".

"The SDLP also believe that there needs to be a stronger legal background covering the use of flags in Northern Ireland and the challenge is now for the NIO to move the issue forward by drafting legislation to deal with this issue," he added.

Earlier this year, a partnership to address the issue was launched. It involved the police, Housing Executive and government bodies setting out aims, to exchange information and measure success with regard to the issue of contentious flags.

(MB/GB)