New tensions in Northern Ireland: with less than a month to go before St. Patrick’s Day, it would appear that the tricolor flag of the Republic of Ireland is quite simply “unwelcome” in Northern Irish communities on the occasion of cultural events… Already banned from special St. Patrick’s Day parades in Derry and Strabane, it’s now Newry’s turn to express its “resentment” of the symbol.
A group of flautists taking part in the Newry parade contacted the local council to express their wish to be adorned with the green, white and orange flag of the Republic of Ireland, as well as the flag representing the 4 provinces of Ireland. This request was simply refused, provoking a veritable outcry.
“This is outrageous. This is an attempt to suppress and erode any representation of Irish culture,” said Stephen Murney, a Newry town councillor.
In the Republic of Ireland, the affair is widely commented on and contested, resurrecting tensions around Northern Ireland’s geopolitical situation, with its host of issues, such as the delicate question of Brexit.
Although the controversy is heating up, Newry Town Council is defending itself by assuring that it wants to “empower and self-regulate” participants in the town’s parade to avoid any excesses. An argument which does not seem to convince all parties: Stephen Murney is reported to have stated on his Twitter account that the flag of the Republic of Ireland will be present at the parade, despite the instructions given.
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