Flags & Culture.....

[brokencrossbar1]

The petrol probably came from somewhere that gets it's fuel from south Armagh,  oh the irony!

[Jeepers Creepers]

Lone protester at the city hall today.

[Rossfan]

Hows about a new flageen lads and lassies ??

NI parties asked for views on new flag
on 03/12/2013 14:56:48

Political parties have been asked for their views on a new flag for Northern Ireland.

Former US diplomat Richard Haass asked the question of five Stormont parties in his role as chairman of talks on controversial parades, emblems and how to deal with the legacy of 30 years of violence.

Divisions between nationalists and unionists over banners were highlighted by loyalist rioting following a decision a year ago by Belfast City Council to restrict the number of days the Union flag flies from the City Hall.

A leading good-relations organisation has warned the time available to address flags issues was finite.

Dr Haass asked: "What might a process to design and validate a new Northern Ireland flag look like? What role might such a flag play in civic life?"

He also canvassed politicians for views on a code of conduct for flags and emblems displayed unofficially in public spaces. The American foreign policy expert's letter queried where they should be allowed and under what circumstances, as well as what enforcement measures might be included.

Northern Ireland has not had its own flag since 1972. A white and red Ulster Banner featuring a crown is used by some unionists and sporting organisations and was the flag of the government of Northern Ireland between 1953 and 1972 - before direct rule from Westminster was imposed.

The Community Relations Council (CRC), an independent organisation which promotes closer ties between rank and file nationalists and unionists, told Dr Haass a core element of any initiative would be leadership.

"This political and community leadership needs to bring forward a new vision to enable the important right of celebration of identity and culture to be assured, but which also protects others where such displays transcend beyond these rights and become an overt display of territory, intimidation, threat and power,"

[bennydorano]

In any other part of the world maybe, but the fact that Haas has even floated the idea shows how clueless/oblivious he is and that the talks will fail (or have already done so).

[Nally Stand]

A makey-uppy flag for a makey-uppy state 

[screenexile]

He's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't! What hope has he got really and what would be deemed a success with this whole Haas thing?

[Rossfan]

A makey-uppy flag for a makey-uppy state 

In which you're going to be living for the forseeable future

[Nally Stand]

A makey-uppy flag for a makey-uppy state 

In which you're going to be living for the forseeable future

And to which I will continue to have no allegiance for it's duration.

[AQMP]

My gut reaction is that this is a non-runner.  But there is a drive for the creation of a "Northern Ireland" identity so he might be riding on those coat tails?

[Myles Na G.]

He's damned if he does and he's damned if he doesn't! What hope has he got really and what would be deemed a success with this whole Haas thing?

It's not for him to come up with solutions. His role, the role of any mediator / facilitator, is simply to create the process through which the warring parties can come up with their own answers. If they can't do that, then the failure should be seen to be theirs, not some outsider who's just passing through.

[Milltown Row2]

Ok so we'll have the Union Jack flying up the Shankill the Tricolour up the Falls and the new flag flying in Malone??

2 flags are too much FFS no need for another one, who da fcuk gives a flying fiddlers about flegs other than dumbwits?

This place is a shit hole at times run by shit stirrers

[pbat]

It's like the Father Ted line " is there anything to be said for saying another mass".

Richard Haass " is there anything to be said for having another flag".

[CD]

We have a winner

[Orior]

It's like the Father Ted line " is there anything to be said for saying another mass".

Richard Haass " is there anything to be said for having another flag".

lol

[Wildweasel74]

shows how out of touch haass is to come out with something like this with all the current crap about flags already, combine that with no criminal prosecution for gunmen from years ago,a few silly statements from people outside northern ireland, its as if they dont know how die hard some of the people of this country are, they rather have nothing, lie on the dole, with no prospects for themselves or children, and have there wee marches and flags, and not worry about living in the real world like most, worried more about house prices, mortgages, childs education, work opportunities , future pension etc