Anger over fringe republican group’s flag ‘abuse’ at school

THE appearance of an Irish tricolour carrying the initials of a fringe republican party outside a primary school and church in west Belfast has caused anger.

A flag inscribed with the letters RNU, which stands for the Republican Network for Unity, was erected on the corner of Bingnian and Glen Road on Monday night, outside St Teresa’s Primary School and Church.

The RNU was set up in opposition to Sinn Fein’s support for the PSNI in 2007, and has frequently been associated with dissident republican group Oglaigh Na hEireann.

While the RNU has denied having a military wing or military objectives, it has expressed Criticism: SDLP’s Tim Attwood support for the use of violence. The appearance of the flag was criticised by a nationalist politician. Tim Attwood, the leader of the SDLP on Belfast City Council, said the flag should not be abused.

“I have enormous pride in our Irish national flag — the tricolour is a powerful symbol for inclusion and reconciliation on the island of Ireland.

“Our national flag should be flown with respect and not be abused for political purposes by any organisation.

“A number of local residents have complained to me about the erection of this RNU flag, especially outside the local primary school and parish church.

“Let us all show respect for our national flag and remove any flags which do not.”