The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #136429   Message #3115543
Posted By: Keith A of Hertford
17-Mar-11 - 06:01 AM
Thread Name: BS: St. Patricks Flag
Subject: BS: St. Patrick's Flag
Which flag should fly today?
In Downpatrick, where the saint's tomb can be seen, they are not sure.
From BBC site.
A row over which flag should fly at the St Patrick's Day celebrations in Downpatrick has cast a shadow over the planned festivities.

In previous years the flag of St Patrick, a red cross on a white background, has been used alongside the council flag.

Sinn Fein councillor, Eamon McConvey is expected to carry an Irish tricolour flag at the parade instead.

Several schools and organisations have pulled out as a result.

The row erupted at Down District Council this week when some councillors reiterated their objections to the use of the St Patrick's flag.

They said it has links to the Protestant ascendancy in Ireland in the 17th and 18th centuries and they do not want it used.

Other council members have said they do not have a problem with it, arguing that it pre-dates nationalist and unionist divisions and goes back to Norman times.