Sinn Fein fury as flag flies from Civic Centre
SINN Fein have hit out after the Armed Forces Flag flew from Craigavon Civic Centre this week to mark Armed Forces Day tomorrow (Saturday).
Armed Forces Day is being held across the UK as a tribute to British soldiers serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Along with the council, loyalists in Portadown also demonstrated their solidarity with the troops with the erection of a huge banner in the town centre this week.
But Sinn Fein Councillor Johnny McGibbon renewed his criticism of the council’s decision to fly the flag from Monday to Saturday, describing it as “nothing short of a dinosaur decision by unionists”.
Mr McGibbon said, “The decision to fly this flag can be described as nothing short of a dinosaur decision by unionists. Fifteen years into the peace process it seems unionism has still not caught up. This decision sends out a signal to nationalists and republicans that they are not welcome in Craigavon Borough Council area, and completely disregards the experiences of nationalists at the hands of the British army.
“Craigavon Borough Council’s reputation and track record on equality is terrible, and in truth, not many in the nationalist and republican community will be surprised by the decision to fly this flag. Once again unionism has failed to show leadership and both the DUP and UUP must take responsibility. This action is clearly designed to make nationalists feel unwelcome in the area and this has repercussions for the local economy, at this time of economic downturn, as it forces the nationalist community to look elsewhere for recreational and commercial outlets.”
However, Ulster Unionist Councillor George Savage MLA said the event was totally justified.
opportunity
“This is an opportunity for the nation to get behind those men and women who make up the armed forces community. That includes not only serving troops but service families, veterans and recruits.,” said Mr Savage.
“The allocation of a dedicated day, when people can come together to show their appreciation and support for the Armed Forces, is an appropriate gesture from an indebted public.
“It is incumbent upon us to recognise the bravery and dedication of our troops, particularly when the bond between the public and Armed Forces has suffered in recent years.
“It would be an indictment on us all if the work of members of the Armed Forces - and the sacrifices intrinsic to their job - were not appropriately acknowledged.
“Members of the Armed Forces, full time and territorial, past and present, are deserving of our support and recognition. They, and their families, make personal sacrifices that many of us could scarcely comprehend to protect our interests.
“I hope that the introduction of this event will provide a morale boost within the Armed Forces community.”
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Weather for Portadown
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
