Republicans accused of ‘ratcheting up tensions’ in flags row

South Lurgan Community Forum lashed out after complaints that flags, including a ‘Parachute Regiment’ flag, were erected close to the Sinn Fein office.

The forum, which is made up of Mourneview & Gray Estate Communuty Association, Avenue Road Community Association, Queen Street Residents Associaton, ACT Initiative, UPRG, Avenue Road Somme Society, Ancre Somme Association and member from various bands and loyal orders, praised those who took ‘a considerable amount of time out of their schedule’ to erect the bunting and flags describing the town as ‘pleasant and festive’.

“These traditional decorations play a big role in our community’s celebrations and should be welcomed as such, a positive sign of one of the biggest days of the year in our province. This work was carried out by those who volunteered their own time and it was done in a safe and responsible manner and for this again they should receive our thanks.

“We note with sadness that republicans have tried to ratchet up tensions with statements relating to these decorations. These erroneous reports should be taken as they are, propaganda by those who don’t seem to be able to tolerate anything British being on display despite their statements parroting respect and equality which appear to be hollow words only.

“Loyalists were fully engaged with the PSNI members who were patrolling the town and this helped to ensure that any potentially divisive situations were dealt with. Those members of the loyalist community who showed this leadership and responsibility are to be thanked as should the members of the PSNI who were professional in the way they engaged with those putting up the decorations, it helped to make sure that the good atmosphere remained in the area despite the provocations of some members of the republican community.

“Unionists want to be able to enjoy the 12th period in a peaceful and dignified way without incident, it is a celebration and should be taken as such.

“If Republicans in Lurgan are serious about a peaceful and shared town they need to show leadership themselves and act on their talk of equality, not diminish and disrespect other cultures.

“We hope the members of the loyal orders and those who go to support them enjoy the upcoming parades and appreciate the time and work taken into making sure Lurgan looks well for them,” said the statement.

Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd had accused the PSNI and government agencies a ‘dereliction of duty’ after more flags were erected.

The flags were put up in Lurgan town centre on Sunday night by men in high-viz vests using a cherry picker.

A confrontation ensued with local residents who called on the men to stop putting up what were described as ‘divisive’ emblems.

It is understood the PSNI arrived at the scene but no flags were removed.

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd said the annual abandonment of town centres to flags and bunting is ‘a dereliction of duty by statutory agencies including the PSNI and Department for Infrastructure (DfI)’.

Mr O’ Dowd said: “The failure of any agency to enforce the law in our town centres is now an annual event.

“The inclusion of Parachute Regiment Flags and another Solider F Banner in the display this year lays bare the lies that this is a cultural celebration.

“The inclusion of Parachute Regiment Flags and a solider F banner is seen by many as a celebration of the murder of 14 catholic civilians on the streets of Derry.

“The bunting and flags are about marking out territory and intimidation. Those responsible get away with it year after year.

“This year they have upped the anti with Parachute Regiment flags and a Solider F Banner mocking victims of the conflict.

Mr O’Dowd said: “The PSNI and DfI have serious questions to answer as they continue to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to cross community concerns.”

Community worker Paddy McMenamin was very upset at the erection of the flags. He said he had been prevented from taking photos by ‘a number of loyalists who stood in front of me.’

He said the PSNI arrived and he was told he could be accused of causing a breach of the peace.

“I ask him was putting up para flags not a breach of the peace,” he said, adding that a community police officer had assured him they would get the matter sorted and they were doing their best to have the flag removed.

“I told him the flag is provocative and will lead to trouble if it’s not removed,” said Mr McMenamin.

On Monday morning no flag was flying directly outside the Sinn Fein office, however a Parachute Regiment flag is flying a short distance away in the centre of town.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesman said: “The illegal display of flags/banners continues to be a difficult issue for many people. The Department does investigate complaints and we work closely with colleagues in the PSNI on all such cases. However, the reality is prosecution does not solve the underlying factors that give rise to such displays and we need also to be mindful of the broader issues including heightening of community tension and compromising the safety of our staff.

“For clarity, we will take action if displays create road safety concerns. We will also take action to arrange for the removal of flags and banners where there is clear community support for their removal and where we are satisfied that removing them will not further raise community tensions or present risks to the safety of our staff and contractors.

“We will always act on the advice of our PSNI colleagues on such matters. We are also keen to engage with local councils and political representatives to respond to requests from local communities.”

ACC Mark Hamilton said; “Across the year and across many communities in Northern Ireland local people erect flags, banners and other symbols relating to cultural identity, political issues and support for particular views which may be contested by others in the community.

“In many cases these symbols will cause offence to one community but may not be in themselves illegal. The flying of any flag or banner should be carried out with the consent of the person or organisation who owns the street furniture or property on which the item is flown or displayed.

“While the removal of such items is not the responsibility of the Police Service of Northern Ireland we are committed to working with communities and partners to build a safe and inclusive society.

“Where we receive reports of banners or flags being erected, we will attend to ascertain proof of permission for erecting a banner or flag and gather evidence in the event that any offence is committed. We will then pass details to the relevant land or property owner who will decide on the appropriate course of action which may include the matter being reported for prosecution.

“Specifically in the case of flags and banners in support of the Parachute Regiment it is the understanding of the PSNI, in consultation with the prosecution agencies, that these banners and flags of themselves do not constitute a criminal offence, however the erection of these banners or flags without permission may constitute an offence if the owners wish to pursue a prosecution.

“Police will act to support the removal of banners by those who have responsibility for a structure on which the item is displayed but we will only consider removing such items ourselves where there is an imminent and immediate likelihood of a breach of the peace.

“The most effective solution to this issues is community resolution with engagement between local communities working with local agencies and resulting in local decision-making.”

“We will continue to work with communities and partners to find lasting solutions however police action on its own is not sufficient.”