News

Anger after failed attempt to overturn ban on Union flag

UNIONISTS have reacted angrily after failing in an attempt to overturn a ban on the Union flag at the new Mid-Ulster council.

There was controversy earlier this month when the majority nationalist authority voted in favour of a no-flag policy.

Unionists had wanted to fly the Union flag at council offices on 15 designated days each year.

After losing a vote they activated a 'call-in' mechanism, which means a decision can be reconsidered if 15 per cent of councillors believe it was not properly reached or would have an adverse effect on a section of the community.

However, at the council's monthly meeting this week it emerged that its legal advisers have said there is 'no merit' in the move.

Under the rules, the vote was re-taken which resulted in a repeat of the original decision.

DUP councillor Paul McLean, pictured, was critical of nationalists, saying the alternative of flying both the Union flag and tricolour was unacceptable.

"Both SF and the SDLP stated that the option was either 'two flags or no flags' and therefore in the interest of neutrality they chose no flags.

"However the DUP's position is that the Union flag is the flag of this country and therefore the Union flag should at the very least be flown on council property's on designated days.

"Would the Irish government allow the Union flag to be flown on their council properties?"

Sinn Féin councillor Ronan McGinley said his party believes flying no flags is a compromise position.

Earlier this week there was also controversy when unionists on Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council revealed plans to fly the Union flag at a council building all year round in the mainly nationalist town of Ballycastle.