Union flag flying is 'provocative' says Sinn Fein
Madeleine Logan • Published 1 Jul 2010 16:00
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The flags flying in Lisnaskea which have annoyed Sinn Fein Councillor, Ruth Lynch.
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THE hoisting of Union flags in Lisnaskea has been slammed as reckless provocation by angry Sinn Féin, Councillor Ruth Lynch.
Her criticism prompted Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott to retort that tricolours should instead be taken down.
Councillor Lynch said the "excessive quantities" of Union flags erected in preparation for July 12 celebrations was offensive to the town's nationalist population.
"Those that are erecting these flags, in what can only be described as excessive quantities, are determined to turn back the clock and return to the days when working class nationalists were made to feel unwelcome in their own local towns and villages," she said.
"We in Sinn Féin are working very hard, along with others in the community, to improve relations in this area.
"The reckless actions of those who erected these flags, which are merely designed to provoke anger amongst Nationalists in this area, are damaging much of this good work."
Mr. Elliott was not aware there were flags erected in Lisnaskea, but he was unapologetic about the situation.
"The Union flag is the flag of our country," he said.
"The tricolours have been flying in Enniskillen and other parts of Fermanagh for a long time now. That's not the flag of our country. "(Councillor Lynch) needs to get real about this.
"She has to start realising that she can't complain about the flag of our country.
"What's she doing to reduce the number of tricolours?"
This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 01 Jul 10
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