Loyalists 'will continue to put flags up'

LOYALISTS in North Antrim have dismissed suggestions that the decision by "up to 30 people" in Ballybogey could be the template for the way forward on the issue of flags being erected for marching season in this area.

Recently, we revealed that a compromise was reached at Ballybogey on the number of flags flown during the marching season after a survey had been conducted amongst residents following which loyalists issued a defiant message on the matter. Eventually a solution was reached to the satisfaction of all parties.

It was suggested that the Ballybogey outcome could provide a template for the rest of North Antrim, but in a statement issued to the Times this week loyalists said:

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“We will continue to put flags of our country up wherever we want. If you look at the feedback from the forms given out at Ballybogey the return is as good as the turnout at the election for the North Antrim Westminster seat percentage wise.

“While democracy rules as one can see from figures, the single biggest percentage want the same amount of flags put up this year as last.

“This is another sellout by wishy washy Prods. What is next for Ballybogey [no flags at all]?

“You go into Republican areas and tell them you want the number of flags put up to be reduced they will send you on your way.

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“This is another attempt at eroding our culture and means we give another concession to our enemies. This is how it started in Rasharkin and the way its going in Cloughmills but we will not allow it to happen any where else.

“The Prods in Ballybogey should ask themselves what is behind this.

“Look at what is driving it and ask yourself why?

“We look forward to going through Ballybogey and all other loyalist areas in north Antrim and seeing our flags flying proudly .

“We also want them down at the end of the marching season.”

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