Sir, – The only future for Northern Ireland is when we can have a genuine shared inclusive society. The two extreme parties which dominate the Assembly share power out between themselves, so little progress is made.
Alliance is leading change to create a genuine shared future which must involve compromise. Sinn Féin wanted the Union flag removed from the Belfast City Hall completely or for it to fly alongside the Tricolour. Alliance was able to persuade them to vote for the compromise which was to have the Union flag fly on designated days, as happens at Stormont and on most public buildings throughout the UK and is recommended by the Equality Commission. So, Alliance ensured that Sinn Féin and the SDLP would countenance the Union flag flying on, for example, Queen Elizabeth’s birthday.
A DUP minister has referred to Alliance opening Pandora’s Box: when Pandora’s Box was opened to release every human ill, one thing remained – hope. Hope is what we all need for a genuine peaceful future free from violence and threats. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – What about designing a new Northern Ireland flag that could be flown 365 days a year? Let’s have a competition for a design that excludes the colours red, white, blue, green and gold? – Yours, etc,