One of the tattered flags left flying in Enniskillen
THE FLAGS issue in Fermanagh will not go away, despite the fact police have declared they have successfully negotiated their removal on the local website.
On the PSNI Fermanagh Enniskillen page local residents raised concerns regarding the flying of flags in a number of areas. In response it is said that police held ‘consultation with local community representatives which culminated in the flags being removed.’
This statement is questioned by local MLA Phil Flanagan, who said flags that were erected in advance of the G8 summit have not yet been removed. He referred to the flags flying in the Gaol Square area amongst others.
“Over £1 million was spent improving the image of Enniskillen and Fermanagh for the G8 and the flying of these flags has certainly damaged the look of the town and taken away from that investment.
“The police claim that they have successfully negotiated the removal of flags on their website. In what areas have they been successful, because the number of flags being erected by some within the unionist community seems to be on the increase for a longer time each year.
“They need to explain why they have not been successful on this, or on many other occasions.
“Is it the case that they do not know who has erected these flags or are they afraid to act?
“Every time this issue is raised, we hear unfactual claims from unionist politicians about the flying of Irish flags, but unionist politicians now need to publicly call for the removal of these flags.
“If people insist on flying flags in a shared space, then they have to demonstrate respect for that flag, regardless of what flag it is and other citizens who share that space.
“Flags should not be allowed to remain hanging on a lamppost for months on end. If those who erected them do not act, then agencies such as the police need to intervene.”
UUP MLA Tom Elliott said he has “always been supportive of flying the flag of our nation at the proper times”, but said it doesn’t help it if the flag is ‘torn to ribbons’ and they “should not be allowed to disintegrate”.
“The last time I was in Newtownbutler the Tricolour was flying and it was in ribbons, it doesn’t do it any justice.”
He noted that it is not just the Union flag in Enniskillen which has caused problems. “We have had to live with flags on the Cornagrade Road for long periods of our time, which aren’t even the flags of our nation,while the Tricolour flies at GAA matches in Northern Ireland.”
In regards to the police role Mr Elliott recognised they are in a difficult position. “I know in the past they have taken down flags and more have went up, even additional ones, it is a difficult situation and there isn’t an easy answer.”
In response the PSNI said it was not within their remit to remove the flags.
“The removal of flags is not the responsibility of the PSNI. The issue of the flying of flags can be a difficult and sensitive one. Police will continue to work with all the interested parties, elected representatives and the community, to support efforts to find solutions . We understand that flying flags is a popular way of displaying tradition and culture in Northern Ireland, but for a lot of people it is an emotive issue. We would urge engagement with all the relevant agencies towards finding a resolution.”
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