McLaughlin calls on Infrastructure Minister to show leadership on flag flying

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has called on the Minister for Infrastructure to show leadership on the issue of the unregulated flying of flags and has repeated her call for legislation to be introduced as a matter of urgency to address the challenge.

In response to an Assembly Written Question from Ms. McLaughlin, the Minister said: “Finding a sustainable and solution to the problem of illegally erected flags and emblems requires leadership and a united approach.”

The Foyle MLA said: “People across Northern Ireland want to live in shared communities, yet are constantly forced to deal with unwelcome and intimidating flags that demarcate areas and do little else than divide people along sectarian lines.

“In Derry, this issue only seems to be getting worse, and I regularly hear from constituents who are understandably outraged by the issue, particularly around our city centre.

“We must demand greater accountability and transparency on this issue.

“For too long the issue of flag flying has been batted back and forth between the Department for Infrastructure and the PSNI with no sense of a joined-up approach or effective governance.

“We know what is needed: comprehensive legislation to enforce the draft code of practice that was outlined in the Flags, Identity, Culture and Tradition report almost three years ago.

“It is incredulous for the Minister for Infrastructure, who could work with his colleagues to introduce this legislation, to call for leadership on the flying of flags.

“Leadership should start at the Executive table that he sits around and with his Party who leads the government. They have the power to resolve this issue, or at least move us forward.

“We need to be really serious about this issue and the people of Northern Ireland deserve better than inaction.

“The Minister for Infrastructure must demonstrate the leadership he is calling for and work toward a sustainable solution.”

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