What is offensive about the flag of our country?

SIR - I wish to respond to Laoi Aine Ni Pheacoig writing in your paper. I have to ask: what is offensive about the flag of our country?

Ulster is British and that is what it remains despite Republican attempts to undermine it or tell their supporters that we live in 'Ireland'.

We have Sinn Fein sitting in a British Assembly working within the confines of our United Kingdom. The Union flag is the flag of our nation: why would we have it taken down?

Perhaps the author wouldn't be complaining if it was the flag of the Republic of Ireland on the lamp-posts around the Joey Dunlop Centre. After all the flag is flown in Rasharkin 365 days-a-year. Is this not offensive?

The author of the letter also refers to a loyalist bonfire in Finvoy over the Twelfth of July. The author suggests that the bonfire was dangerous and states that they found it offensive. Once again there is nothing offensive about Unionist culture.

The council has worked hard to ensure that bonfire displays on the Eleventh night offered a safe and family friendly atmosphere for all the community. I praise the work that went on within the Unionist community this year in order to ensure that the Eleventh night festivities went off well.

This work continues as well as ensuring that bonfires do not contain items which when burnt can give off harmful gases or chemicals. I encourage anyone making a bonfire to ensure that they build it so that it is safe and secure, away from homes and or businesses and that it does not contain any harmful items e.g. tyres.

I would be interested to hear the views of the author on a Republican bonfire in Rasharkin which contained approximately 100 tyres as well as being close to peoples' homes. Furthermore I note that there was a sign which stated that the Police Service of Northern Ireland were not welcome as well as there being a large Tricolour beside the bonfire. This was most offensive to many people living in Rasharkin, especially during a time when community relations are most sensitive. It is ironic that the author failed to mention this bonfire or any other Republican displays. I do hope that the author will be contacting Republican representatives in the area about this issue and asking them to display leadership.

Cllr John Finlay

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