SF calls for neutral town centres

The protest was part of a campaign by Sinn Fin to have the town centre recognised by all groupings as an neutral area within which people can go about their normal everyday business without the fear of sectarian threat or harassment from any quarter.

Spokesperson for the campaign Councillor Mairead O’Dowd explained the motivation behind the protest:

“The centres of our towns are areas used by all traditions within the community to carry out commercial transactions and they should have the right to do so in a neutral atmosphere.

"Those whose livelihood depends on the finance and retail businesses that make up the heart of our towns should have the right to work in an atmosphere that is free from tribalistic displays. Indeed this is something that the DUP have called for in relation to individual workplaces and it so much more relevant to the overall heart of local commerce.”

She went on: “While it is not illegal to physically erect flags or bunting on lamp posts it is contrary to the accepted protocols on flags and emblems and there are substantial legal issues surrounding the practice.

"Sinn Fin will be examining the role that the Courts have to play in this matter and where applicable we will pursue those legal avenues. We would, however, prefer to sit down with all interested parties to work out an agreement that would assist rather than hinder the development of town centres as vibrant commercial areas.”