Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
POLES APART
Lack of agreement on flags after £800k report a ‘farce’
THE lack of agreement on key issues in a report aimed at tackling flags and cultural disputes has been branded an £800,000 “farce”.
A civic flag and new rules for bonfires are among the ideas considered in the long-delayed Stormont publication.
But there was no agreement on many of the issues the Commission on Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition was established to address.
The £800,000 report failed to find consensus on changing legislation around the flying of flags from lampposts.
SDLP MLA Sinead Mclaughlin, chair of the Executive Office committee, branded the lack of an action plan “a farce”.
But the Executive Office said a working group established to consider the report would continue to meet.
Meanwhile, the DUP and Sinn Fein clashed over the report.
Democratic Unionist MLA Christopher Stalford said: “The answer on these matters is mutual respect but it is hard to come by when Sinn Fein campaigns to remove every trace of Britishness from Northern Ireland. Such cultural and identity weaponisation will make solutions very difficult to come by as some want cultural domination rather than respect.”
But Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly responded: “The DUP is blocking the implementation of this report because it doesn’t do equality and it is unwilling to confront the sectarianism associated with flying flags even at hospitals, schools and places of worship, at interfaces or mixed housing developments.
“And it has chosen to support those engaged in intimidation and antisocial behaviour at illegal bonfires which have no regard for the protection of people, property or the environment. Progress in tackling sectarianism in this society will be made in spite of the DUP’S efforts to deny rights and equality.”
The 168-page document was published yesterday around 16 months after it was completed – and more than five years after the commission was launched.
Its release was delayed as the First and Deputy First Ministers’ office attempted to agree an action plan on implementing the report, but no deal was reached.
It means none of the around 45 recommendations are likely to be enacted anytime soon.
Alliance leader Naomi Long described delays in releasing the paper as “absolutely scandalous” and warned the report was being “orphaned” and “abandoned”.
The SDLP’S Ms Mclaughlin said: “The commission was designed to address the longstanding issues of culture and identity that have divided Stormont politicians for far too long.
“Now, having received their recommendations, Michelle O’neill and Paul Givan can’t seem to agree on what to do with them.
“These issues go to the heart of divisions in our society and the failure to reconcile our people. It is far too important a challenge to allow this document to become an £800,000 ornament at Stormont Castle.”