04/06/2015

Irish Tricolour Incident Is A 'Storm In A Teacup' - Dallat

The SDLP said the Assembly has "much more important matters to tackle" after an Irish Tricolour was erected over the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday.

Assembly Member John Dallat MLA said the arrangement for flying flags at the Assembly should be upheld, however he has called on other members to retain a sense of perspective.

Mr Dallat said: "The Assembly Commission and Assembly members like Jim Allister should keep sense of proportion about the incident which is, ultimately, a storm in a teacup."

Meanwhile, DUP North Down MLA Peter Weir has written to the Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Mitchell McLaughlin and Chief Executive Trevor Reaney demanding an explanation.

Mr Weir said: "Whatever the motivation behind this there must be a full explanation from the Assembly as to who had access to the flag poles and who was responsible for this action.

"If it was carried out by someone working for an outside contractor then this surely would represent a breach of contract which should result in sanction."

The Assembly is to hold a briefing later on today to establish how the flag got on the roof.

(CD)


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