SINN Fein chief Martin McGuinness has slammed unionists after kicking up a row over the flying of the Tricolour flag at Stormont buildings yesterday.
The Irish flag along with a republican flag were mounted on top of the east Belfast building where construction work is currently taking place on the roof.
Speaking today, the Deputy First Minister said the flag row was “much ado about nothing”.
Sinn Fein said the row was being whipped by “unionist hysteria” and said the flags had only been hoisted on poles for about ten minutes.
The DUP’s Chief Whip Peter Weir has written to the Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Mitchell McLaughlin and Chief Executive Trevor Reaney demanding an explanation as to why an Irish Tricolour was erected over Parliament Buildings on Wednesday
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.
“It would also place an onus on the company to take disciplinary action against those responsible. I have inquired too whether the Union Flags, flying to mark Coronation Day, were interfered with yesterday (Tuesday).
“I have been assured by the Assembly that these were rogue actions and are being fully investigated.”
The PSNI said it is currently investigating the incident which is said to have lasted around ten minutes.
