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16 January 2013

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Tánaiste urged to meet nationalist and unionist communities in Belfast visit

‘The decision in December on the Union flag was in keeping with these and, ironically, in keeping with protocols in Britain. It was a democratic decision and was entirely proper and appropriate. Democratic and peaceful opposition to it would also be proper.’

 

TÁNAISTE Eamon Gilmore has been asked to meet people in the east Belfast nationalist enclave of Short Strand and their unionist neighbours during his visit to Belfast tomorrow (Thursday) to hear first-hand the tension and fear they daily live under as well as social and economic issues.

The Tánaiste will be in the North to meet with the first and deputy First Ministers on the violence and illegal protests by unionists after December’s vote by Belfast City Council to fly the Union flag on 18 designated days – the same as the Assembly at Stormont – rather than every day.

Gerry Adams pointed out that there are some councils which fly no flag, while at Stormont and in other councils the Union flag flies on designated days only.

“Belfast City Council took legal advice on this issue,” Gerry Adams said. “It also received advice from the Equality Commission and there was an equality impact assessment.

“The decision in December was in keeping with these and, ironically, in keeping with protocols in Britain. It was a democratic decision and was entirely proper and appropriate. Democratic and peaceful opposition to it would also be proper.”

The thrust of many unionists flag protests, however, have led to illegal and threatening blocking or roads as well as violent attacks on families.

The Tánaiste has acknowledged that recent attacks on the Short Strand were “premeditated”.

Making his request in the Dáil today (Wednesday) to the Tánaiste to , Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD identified British National Party activists and some elements of the UVF “engaged in whipping up tensions and fears”.

The Sinn Féin leader said that events such these attacks, threats and illegal road blockades underpin the “need for constant and consistent support for the peace and political processes”.

The Sinn Féin leader added:

“The violent sectarian reaction is entirely wrong and the illegal protests need to be brought to an end before someone is killed."

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