In a statement on March 18, 2025 a spokesperson for Comhairle Uladh (Ulster Executive), Sinn Féin Poblachtach said: “The Alliance Party has proposed a regulatory framework to enable the display of emblems on street furniture (such as lamp posts, telegraph poles and safety barriers) within a Code of Conduct. If it gets through it will enable and in fact force the RUC/PSNI into removing flags and could also extend to memorials such as the Republican Garden in Lurgan and elsewhere as they would fall under the support for organisations.
“Sinn Féin Poblachtach views this as an effort to further suppress our Irish Republican identity and silence our voices. These pro-British actors who legislate on behalf of the Stormont administration are trying to complete an exercise of consultation. They are seeking the opinion of civic society for their so-called Flags and Emblems (Display) Bill.
“Sinn Féin Poblachtach has analysed the data associated with such actions and determined, that it represents a throwback to one such contentious piece of British legislation. This existed in the Occupied Six Counties and came under the Flag Act 1954. Moreover, this was designed to empower the sectarian Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). Under this act, the RUC’s heavy-handed tactics was to order the removal of any emblem that was on public display and likely to lead to a breach of the peace. Of course, there was an exemption which offered protection for the display of the Union Jack. Therefore, the main emblem targeted under the that act was the Irish Tricolour.
“It is important to note that this particular piece of British legislation, introduced in 1954, caused mayhem and subsequent civil unrest. In particular, the RUC began targeting of the Republican/nationalist people who fought hard against such pro-British/Unionist tyranny.
“The culprit on this occasion is the unionist-lite Alliance Party. According to Fact Check (NI) the consultation suggested that a future Bill could enable the legal flying of flags for the purposes of celebration and commemoration, and for a reasonable time period (which would include marking the Twelfth of July).
“In addition, Fact Check (NI) highlighted that under current British legislation in the Occupied Six Counties, citizens do not have lawful authority to put up any flag on lamp posts or road signs. This draconian legislation is listed under Section 87 of the Roads Order (NI) 1993.
“The Alliance Party have listed some of the target groups which will be subject to the out workings of this Bill. These include Loyal Orders, Irish Republicanism, the GAA, Pride events and many other nations, regions, cultures and causes.
“The apparent goal of the Alliance Party when bringing about such legislation is to establish British lawful authority where they say none currently exists. This legislation aims to provide a legal framework for governing the actions and decision-making within the pro-British Stormont administration and ensuring that all activities are conducted with permission. Furthermore, if they don’t, they will feel the full gambit of the Occupied Six Counties sectarian RUC/PSNI thugs.
“Sinn Féin Poblachtach believes that this attempt to further sanitise our Irish cultural identity. It is all about forcing Republican, nationalist and cultural organisations to seek permission from the British state. Can we fly the National flag of Ireland, the Tricolour?
PRO
Comhairle Uladh (Ulster Executive),
Sinn Féin Poblachtach
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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