Dissidents to defy St Patrick’s Day tricolour ban

John McCall: St Patrick was born in Wales and enslaved by the Irish before fleeing back to Wales. I think people forget that. Fly St Patrick’s flag.

Sean McNally: You forgot the bit where he came back and was made patron saint of the country. The tricolour has green, white and orange; white meaning peace between the green and the orange.

Aindi Mac An Tailliura: He was from Cumbria, once an old Welsh-speaking part of Britain. Hence the name Cumbria — Cymbria: an area of Cymric language-speaking people. That’s why people think he came from Wales. Cumbria officially became a part of England in the 12th century under King Edward. There are places in the Lake District named after St Patrick — Patterdale and Aspatria.

Patrick Heywood: So, the patron saint of Ireland was English? Ryan Stewart: And the Queen is German and Phil is Greek.

Paddy Joe: Will you tell the English to fly a Syria flag on St George’s Day?

Deaglan O Griobhtha: The St Patrick Flag has nothing to do with the saint — it was made for the creation of the Union flag to include Ireland in it. The flag of Ireland is clear to see and he is the country’s patron saint, whether unionism likes it or not. Try not to be offended and join in the celebrations. It’s for everyone.

Tracy Rutherford: There should be no flags of either side permitted, so it can be a day for all to enjoy.

Eamon Macthomais: Would you agree the same for the Twelfth?

David Holmes: Would you join in if there were no flags on the Twelfth, Eamon? Aindi Mac An Tailliura: It’s only fair. No tricolour on St Patrick’s Day; no Union flag on the Twelfth.

Tracy Rutherford: The Twelfth is different, as is any republican rally day. But St Patrick’s Day should be a day for all to celebrate — regardless of background.

Alex Elliott: St Patrick’s Day is a day for all — not just one side. The Twelfth is for the Orange; August 15 for Hibernians.