Police Probe “Rogue” Irish Flag Over Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings
BELFAST, Northern Ireland, June 3 (UPI) — Police in Northern Ireland said they are investigating the unauthorized flying of the Irish national flag over Northern Ireland’s Parliament Buildings.
A representative for the Northern Ireland Assembly confirmed the tricolor Irish flag was flown over Belfast’s Parliament Buildings for about 10 minutes Wednesday.
“Two flags were flown without permission from the roof,” the representative told the BBC.
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The roof and fourth floor of the Parliament Buildings, commonly referred to as Stormont, are currently under construction, with contractors having complete access to the areas, officials 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,” said Peter Weir, an assembly member with the Democratic Unionist Party. “I have been assured by the Assembly that these were rogue actions and are being fully investigated.”
Tom Elliott, an Ulster Unionist assembly member, said he believes the flag was deliberately meant to cause offense.
“It was no doubt done to attract attention and cause offense and annoyance. The Ulster Unionist Party will be seeking a full explanation of how this could happen,” he told the Belfast Telegraph. “We are perfectly clear that the Union Flag is the only flag that should fly over Stormont in order to reflect and respect the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.”
Police confirmed an investigation into the flag flying has been opened.
