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21/01/2013
Alliance Repeats Flag Regulation Call
Stephen Farry has reiterated the Alliance Party’s call for the regulation of flags, symbols and emblems in Northern Ireland.
The announcement follows criticism by First Minister Peter Robinson of an Alliance/SDLP suggestion for a regulatory body to oversee the flying of flags in Northern Ireland.
Mr Robinson told the BBC the idea was "nonsense" and "unenforceable" and said it would make the flying of a union flag "an illegal activity" in certain places.
But in a statement, Stephen Farry said: "It is not only disappointing but deeply concerning that Peter Robinson cannot see the need to better address the misuse of national and other flags on public property and within shared space.
"All public areas within Northern Ireland belong to all the people of Northern Ireland and should be treated as shared space. This includes the communal areas within housing estates and the public highways."
He said the flying of political flags on lampposts was seen as intimidation by many.
"They are often placed at interfaces, outside schools and churches, and deployed to stake a claim on new housing developments. In recent weeks, we have seen both union flags and tricolours put up for political reasons.
"Of course Alliance respects people's right to fly any non-proscribed flag from their own property, irrespective of whether it is owned or rented. However, the erection of any advertisements or other symbols within public space normally requires permission and indeed the Roads Service regularly takes action against illegal signs. Yet, flags are often misused and abused when they are erected with impunity."
He added: "There are times when different parts of the community will want to mark historical or cultural traditions. If it is done with sensitivity, respect and a sense of openness to all, this is a positive contribution to a diverse, open and shared society. It is in this respect that a form of regulation must be developed. This would be much preferable to a sanitised and neutral public space that the current approach to other symbols would suggest."
(IT)
The announcement follows criticism by First Minister Peter Robinson of an Alliance/SDLP suggestion for a regulatory body to oversee the flying of flags in Northern Ireland.
Mr Robinson told the BBC the idea was "nonsense" and "unenforceable" and said it would make the flying of a union flag "an illegal activity" in certain places.
But in a statement, Stephen Farry said: "It is not only disappointing but deeply concerning that Peter Robinson cannot see the need to better address the misuse of national and other flags on public property and within shared space.
"All public areas within Northern Ireland belong to all the people of Northern Ireland and should be treated as shared space. This includes the communal areas within housing estates and the public highways."
He said the flying of political flags on lampposts was seen as intimidation by many.
"They are often placed at interfaces, outside schools and churches, and deployed to stake a claim on new housing developments. In recent weeks, we have seen both union flags and tricolours put up for political reasons.
"Of course Alliance respects people's right to fly any non-proscribed flag from their own property, irrespective of whether it is owned or rented. However, the erection of any advertisements or other symbols within public space normally requires permission and indeed the Roads Service regularly takes action against illegal signs. Yet, flags are often misused and abused when they are erected with impunity."
He added: "There are times when different parts of the community will want to mark historical or cultural traditions. If it is done with sensitivity, respect and a sense of openness to all, this is a positive contribution to a diverse, open and shared society. It is in this respect that a form of regulation must be developed. This would be much preferable to a sanitised and neutral public space that the current approach to other symbols would suggest."
(IT)
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