25/07/2014

Sinn Féin Calls For Tricolours To Be Removed

Sinn Féin has called for two Irish tricolours to be removed from Bessbrook village, Co Armagh.

The flags were erected on trees at Bessbrook Pond this week.

The move has been criticised by the party, with Mickey Brady, Newry and Armagh MLA saying the flags could be viewed as intimidating by Protestant residents who live in the village.

He said: "The issue is one that is causing contention because obviously in Bessbrook particularly there is a mixed community.

"I think you have to respect the culture and nature of the people who live in that area. These flags, some may consider them as overtly sectarian, intimidating and threatening, and I think what we do not want to do in relation to this is perpetuate division."

(JP/CD)

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