Tempers flare over forum proposal to fly Union Jack

A PROPOSAL to raise the Union Jack over the Northern Ireland Forum building when it is in session provoked furious argument in the most contentious debate since the body began meeting four weeks ago in Belfast.

Unionist delegates accused the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition of being a "traitor" when it expressed concern about raising the flag, and the Alliance Party members were dubbed "fence sitters" because they said it was not appropriate at this time to raise the flag.

But while the flag issue highlighted traditional divisions, a debate on the Northern Ireland Office decision to cut the number of education boards in the North from five to three reached almost total consensus against the government move.

When the flags issue was voted on there were in and against, a majority of 68 per cent, but the rule was rejected because a majority of 75 per cent is required. It will be discussed again in committee.

Mr Sean Farren, of the SDLP, raised the issue when he said the forum could design its own emblem rather than raise the flag, which would send out the wrong message from a body elected to reach a compromise.

But the DUP leader, the Rev Ian Paisley, said the Dublin peace forum had raised the Tricolour, and the SDLP had not been concerned that it would send out the wrong message to the people of Northern Ireland.

Ms Brid Rodgers, of the SDLP, said the Dublin forum had used a symbol in the shape of a dove which represented peace and reconciliation. One of the problems in the North was the conflict over emblems and identity.

Mr Gregory Campbell, of the DUP, said the Union Jack was not something which should, be regarded as sectarian or divisive. It was the flag of the nation of which Northern Ireland was part.

Dr John Alderdice, leader of the Alliance Party, said the colours of the flag were emblazoned on street kerbs and were intimidatory and intended to be so, and it was inappropriate to raise the flag at this time.

The DUP MP, the Rev Willie McCrea said here was no way, the painting of footpaths could be equated with "flying of the flag in your country". He added that, rather than being in contention, everyone who was prepared to "take their cheque" from Britain should be prepared to raise its flag. He was making reference to the £100 the forum members receive for each day's sitting.

For the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition raising the flag was a matter of concern. Ms Monica McWilliams said members of the coalition came from various traditions, and irrespective of how members felt about the Union Jack they did not wish to see it flying over a private building. Her remark drew calls of "traitor", from the unionist side.

Ms McWilliams added, however, that if the forum came to some agreement about a symbol then the Women's Coalition would be glad to knit it. Mr Cedric Wilson of the UK Unionists said the coalition should get in large quantities of red, white and blue wool.

An SDLP suggestion from Mr Frank Feely was that both the Union Jack and the Tricolour should be flown over the building, a notion which drew the wrath of Dr Paisley, who said raising the Tricolour in the North would signify an attempt "to rule this country."

Mr Bob McCartney, leader of the UK Unionist party, said he visited Croke Park for Gaelic matches and stood in courtesy for the national anthem. In the same way the Union jack should be flown over the building when the forum was in session, but not in a "provocative" way.