Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TRICOLOUR AVOIDS ST PAT’S BAN
SINN Fein last night claimed there is NO ban on the tricolour at a St Patrick’s Day parade.
The move came after it was announced last week that the Irish flag was not to be flown at the council-organised event in Strabane, Co Tyrone.
Sinn Fein Councillor Karina Carlin said she “welcomed confirmation from Derry City & Strabane District Council there is no ban on the national flag”.
She added: “Last week officials announced publicly that there was a ban on the flying of the national flag in the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Strabane. I raised this at today’s meeting and was pleased to receive confirmation from the chief executive that there is no in fact no ban in place.
“Sinn Fein now considers this issue resolved and I welcome the clarification and look forward to a successful and respectful St celebration in Strabane.”
Last week it was announced that Derry City and Strabane District Council had banned all flags and emblems from its parades.
It said it wanted the celebrations to be cross-community and family focused.
A spokesman said “flags and emblems will not be included in the official parade which is planned for the enjoyment of everyone”.
Talk of a ‘break-away’ parade emerged after the announcement.