Opinion

Time to address tensions around contentious flags

Any moves which can reduce community tensions and promote positive engagement on the contentious issue of flags must be regarded as a welcome step in the right direction.

In recent days we have seen two separate flags protocols being produced for parts of south and east Belfast.

Last week, the UVF-linked East Belfast Community Initiative (EBCI) announced that flags would not be placed on lampposts until June 1 and would be removed by October 7 at the latest.

This development came after paramilitary flags were erected close to a mixed housing development at Cantrell Close last year and was agreed following discussions with South Belfast MP Emma Little Pengelly, among others.

Yesterday it was the turn of her party colleague, Christopher Stalford MLA, to welcome a new flags protocol for the Ormeau Road.

Unlike the east Belfast initiative, no specific organisation has been identified with this announcement which has ruled out the flying of flags associated with paramilitary groups.

We are also told that 'out of respect' flags will not be flown on the lamppost nearest the entrance to the Catholic church at Rosetta roundabout.

This is clearly the correct decision and hopefully a recognition that marking out territory with loyalist flags is not acceptable in a mixed residential area where people of all religious backgrounds and political persuasions are simply trying to live side by side in peace.

Some elements may try to portray any moves to remove flags from main roads or outside Catholic churches as an attack on cultural expression but this is not the case.

There are loyalist districts throughout Northern Ireland where there is no issue over the flying of flags. Placing flags where they are not wanted in a bid intimidate or offend is an entirely different matter.

While it is disappointing that despite the EBCI protocol, flags appeared on Ravenhill Avenue earlier this week, the new arrangements need to be given time to work and hopefully built upon so that this contentious matter is fully resolved.