Menu
11/06/2013
OFMDFM Has 'Head In Sand' Over Flags
Alliance Party Chief Whip Stewart Dickson MLA has described the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister as having its "head in the sand" over the issue of flag flying in Northern Ireland.
The comments follow a statement by the PSNI, explaining police will not interfere in flags disputes unless lives are at risk.
Mr Dickson said: "OFMDFM has had its head in the sand over flags for years. There is an urgent need for a new Flags Protocol to be agreed which is supported by all groups and is enforceable.
"It is the responsibility of OFMDFM to find agreement on flags, yet many people are not only asking what progress has been made, but whether any progress has been made at all?
"Calling for a new way forward on flags has been a long standing Alliance Party policy, yet OFMDFM continues to sit on their hands on this issue. It must be tackled if the DUP/Sinn Fein proposals ‘Together Building a United Community’ are to be successfully concluded by Christmas.
"The delays in resolving this issue have left the Police holding the line. However, they also have a duty to maintain the rule of law which include the removal of illegal flags and emblems such as paramilitary flags. The Police must work with other agencies including the Department for Regional Development and local authorities."
(IT/CD)
The comments follow a statement by the PSNI, explaining police will not interfere in flags disputes unless lives are at risk.
Mr Dickson said: "OFMDFM has had its head in the sand over flags for years. There is an urgent need for a new Flags Protocol to be agreed which is supported by all groups and is enforceable.
"It is the responsibility of OFMDFM to find agreement on flags, yet many people are not only asking what progress has been made, but whether any progress has been made at all?
"Calling for a new way forward on flags has been a long standing Alliance Party policy, yet OFMDFM continues to sit on their hands on this issue. It must be tackled if the DUP/Sinn Fein proposals ‘Together Building a United Community’ are to be successfully concluded by Christmas.
"The delays in resolving this issue have left the Police holding the line. However, they also have a duty to maintain the rule of law which include the removal of illegal flags and emblems such as paramilitary flags. The Police must work with other agencies including the Department for Regional Development and local authorities."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
22 January 2016
Alliance Launches Consultation To Regulate Unofficial Display Of Flags In Public Spaces
The Alliance Party has launched a consultation on how to regulate the unofficial display of flags in public spaces. The party said the the practice has had a 'significant cost' to Northern Ireland society. East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle revealed the document – entitled 'Celebration, Not Demarcation' – in a bid to help resolve the issue.
Alliance Launches Consultation To Regulate Unofficial Display Of Flags In Public Spaces
The Alliance Party has launched a consultation on how to regulate the unofficial display of flags in public spaces. The party said the the practice has had a 'significant cost' to Northern Ireland society. East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle revealed the document – entitled 'Celebration, Not Demarcation' – in a bid to help resolve the issue.
06 July 2005
Flags discussions 'constructive and positive'
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland has described a meeting with the SDLP over the issue of contentious flags as “constructive and positive”. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, was arranged after south Belfast MP Alistair McDonnell hit out at loyalist flags being put up in mixed areas in his constituency.
Flags discussions 'constructive and positive'
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland has described a meeting with the SDLP over the issue of contentious flags as “constructive and positive”. The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, was arranged after south Belfast MP Alistair McDonnell hit out at loyalist flags being put up in mixed areas in his constituency.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
13 December 2012
UUP Disciplines Member Over Flag Comments
The Ulster Unionist Party has disciplined one of its members for comments made regarding the flag dispute at Belfast City Hall. Party leader Mike Nesbitt, has claimed Basil McCrea has done "enormous damage". The move follows Mr McCrea’s comments that there should be all-party talks to resolve the flags issue.
UUP Disciplines Member Over Flag Comments
The Ulster Unionist Party has disciplined one of its members for comments made regarding the flag dispute at Belfast City Hall. Party leader Mike Nesbitt, has claimed Basil McCrea has done "enormous damage". The move follows Mr McCrea’s comments that there should be all-party talks to resolve the flags issue.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
