Menu
14/11/2012
Alliance Slams Unionist 'Underhand' Flag Tactics
Alliance Belfast Councillor Maire Hendron has spoken out against "underhand tactics" carried out by the DUP and UUP which claim her party wants to remove the Union flag at City Hall.
About 40,000 leaflets have been distributed across the city as part of a joint operation by the DUP and UUP which says Alliance has sided with Sinn Fein and the SDLP over the issue.
The move by unionists comes before a flag debate at Belfast City Hall next month.
The Alliance Party says the leaflets contain "false information and untrue allegations aimed at misleading the public on what has been a long-term Alliance policy."
The leaflets are printed in Alliance’s distinctive yellow colour and contain the address and contact details for the party’s offices.
It urges readers to "contact the Alliance Party and let them know we don’t want our flag torn down from City Hall."
Councillor Maire Hendron said: "I am absolutely disgusted at the level some of my counterparts on Belfast City Council have stooped to on this matter. I know the DUP and the UUP are behind these leaflets, manipulating voters across Belfast by creating unnecessary anger and fear.
"These leaflets are in poor taste and full of wrong information. A public consultation was carried out into the future of the flag, but these figures are yet to be released. I certainly don't have access to them so I find it hard to understand how the so-called findings have been published in this way.
"The Alliance Party has always had a policy of designated days when it comes to flying the Union Flag over the City Hall. Not only is this the status quo at Stormont - where the DUP's MLAs make no complaint -but it is in line with the recommendation of the Equality Commission.
"I would like a full apology from those behind this outrageous attack on the Alliance Party. Constituents across Belfast also deserve an apology as they should expect better from elected representatives."
(IT)
About 40,000 leaflets have been distributed across the city as part of a joint operation by the DUP and UUP which says Alliance has sided with Sinn Fein and the SDLP over the issue.
The move by unionists comes before a flag debate at Belfast City Hall next month.
The Alliance Party says the leaflets contain "false information and untrue allegations aimed at misleading the public on what has been a long-term Alliance policy."
The leaflets are printed in Alliance’s distinctive yellow colour and contain the address and contact details for the party’s offices.
It urges readers to "contact the Alliance Party and let them know we don’t want our flag torn down from City Hall."
Councillor Maire Hendron said: "I am absolutely disgusted at the level some of my counterparts on Belfast City Council have stooped to on this matter. I know the DUP and the UUP are behind these leaflets, manipulating voters across Belfast by creating unnecessary anger and fear.
"These leaflets are in poor taste and full of wrong information. A public consultation was carried out into the future of the flag, but these figures are yet to be released. I certainly don't have access to them so I find it hard to understand how the so-called findings have been published in this way.
"The Alliance Party has always had a policy of designated days when it comes to flying the Union Flag over the City Hall. Not only is this the status quo at Stormont - where the DUP's MLAs make no complaint -but it is in line with the recommendation of the Equality Commission.
"I would like a full apology from those behind this outrageous attack on the Alliance Party. Constituents across Belfast also deserve an apology as they should expect better from elected representatives."
(IT)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 December 2012
Ford Calls For Condemnation Of Flag Violence
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has called on the Assembly to show it is united in its opposition to violence over the union flag vote at City Hall. The call follows an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives.
Ford Calls For Condemnation Of Flag Violence
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has called on the Assembly to show it is united in its opposition to violence over the union flag vote at City Hall. The call follows an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives.
10 December 2012
Assembly Session Held Over Flag Violence
A special session is being held in the Assembly today to debate a motion condemning the violence caused by the flag debate at Belfast City Hall. Protests, both peaceful and violent, have been taking place across Northern Ireland since the decision was made to remove the union flag from Belfast City Hall and fly it only on designated days.
Assembly Session Held Over Flag Violence
A special session is being held in the Assembly today to debate a motion condemning the violence caused by the flag debate at Belfast City Hall. Protests, both peaceful and violent, have been taking place across Northern Ireland since the decision was made to remove the union flag from Belfast City Hall and fly it only on designated days.
08 January 2013
Police Fire Plastic Bullets During Flag Violence
Plastic bullets have been fired by police in a fifth night of violence over the flying of the union flag which shows little sign of abating. The PSNI has confirmed weapons including hatchets and sledge hammers were used by protesters against police officers and their vehicles on the Newtownards Road.
Police Fire Plastic Bullets During Flag Violence
Plastic bullets have been fired by police in a fifth night of violence over the flying of the union flag which shows little sign of abating. The PSNI has confirmed weapons including hatchets and sledge hammers were used by protesters against police officers and their vehicles on the Newtownards Road.
17 April 2013
SDLP Opposes Cenotaph Flag Proposal
The SDLP has said it is against the flying of the union flag over the Cenotaph at Belfast City Hall, on the basis that it should be maintained as a shared space. An Equality Screening is currently taking place to decide the equality impact of flying the flag above the Cenotaph.
SDLP Opposes Cenotaph Flag Proposal
The SDLP has said it is against the flying of the union flag over the Cenotaph at Belfast City Hall, on the basis that it should be maintained as a shared space. An Equality Screening is currently taking place to decide the equality impact of flying the flag above the Cenotaph.
09 January 2013
Union Flag Raised Over City Hall
The union flag has been raised over Belfast City Hall to mark the Duchess of Cambridge’s 31st birthday. The flag was raised following a sixth consecutive night of rioting and violence from loyalist protesters, who are angry at the council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag in line with the rest of the UK.
Union Flag Raised Over City Hall
The union flag has been raised over Belfast City Hall to mark the Duchess of Cambridge’s 31st birthday. The flag was raised following a sixth consecutive night of rioting and violence from loyalist protesters, who are angry at the council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag in line with the rest of the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
