Paramilitary flags banned by ‘protocol’

Unionist forum’s plan welcomed

A FLAGS protocol barring paramilitary banners is being introduced in a neighbourhood.

The move will also see “no more than one flag per lamp post to go up in the middle of June and be taken down no later than early September”.

Only Union and Northern Ireland banners are to be displayed under Ballynafeigh Unionist Forum’s proposal.

The protocol will apply in the mixed Ormeau Road area of South Belfast where there has been some unease in the summer months.

The protocol also states that “out of respect and as per previous years there will be no flag on the post nearest the entrance to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church near Rosetta roundabout”.

Welcoming the move, Democratic Unionist MLA Christopher Stalford said having “met with those behind this initiative, I am convinced they are trying to improve community relations”. He added: “It is in everyone’s interests for issues around identity and culture to be addressed in a spirit of neighbourliness and respect.

SDLP Assembly member Claire Hanna said the “assurance” on paramilitary flags was welcome, but wider questions remain.

She said: “I welcome anyone trying to address this – the flags issue won’t be solved overnight and from Mr Stalford it is a recognition that the current practice is problematic.

“But people are entitled to have questions here, and not to be accused of ‘demonising loyalism’ for asking which areas are and aren’t included – excessive flag flying affects Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Rosetta as well as Ormeau.”

CONTENTIOUS Flags have been a source of tension