Northern Ireland

IRA flags in north Belfast 'wrong and unwanted'

Calls have been made for IRA flags in north Belfast to be removed. Picture by Ann McManus
Calls have been made for IRA flags in north Belfast to be removed. Picture by Ann McManus Calls have been made for IRA flags in north Belfast to be removed. Picture by Ann McManus

IRA flags erected on lamp posts in north Belfast are "wrong and unwanted", an SDLP assembly has said.

The flags, featuring gunmen, an Easter lily and the words "Irish Republican Army" and "undefeated" with the years 1916 and 2016, appeared on North Queen Street.

SDLP North Belfast MLA Nichola Mallon tweeted: "Be it IRA, UDA or UVF flags they're put up to intimidate and antagonise. They're wrong and unwanted and should come down."

Alliance justice spokesman Trevor Lunn also called for the flags to be removed.

"Almost 20 years since the Good Friday Agreement, we should not have to tolerate the intimidation caused by paramilitary flags marking out areas of our community," he said.

"We have been told the IRA has left the stage, so why is there an IRA flag on a lamp post in north Belfast?

"Paramilitary displays on both sides of the political divide are to be condemned without reservation. Speaking out against these shows whoever is responsible that they are not welcome and should be removed."