The harp and crown will not feature on the emblems of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the union flag will no longer fly over police stations in the North, it became clear yesterday.
The Northern Security Minister, Ms Jane Kennedy, yesterday published a consultation document illustrating seven suggestions for the badge and emblem of the force that feature symbols such as flax, laurel and the St Patrick's Cross, or the police title against a neutral background.
In accordance with the Patten proposals, the symbols are independent of the British and Irish states, and predictably they were last night deplored by unionist politicians.
Politicians and the public will have until December 14th to give their views on the designs or to propose alternatives. Thereafter the Policing Board must choose one of the seven suggestions or devise its own design.
If the board - which comprises nationalist and unionist politicians as well as independent members - can't agree then it will be for the British government to impose a design. The agreed or imposed emblem will also be the design on the police flag.
The union flag will no longer fly over police stations on designated flag-flying days. However, when the British monarch visits a particular police station, the British royal standard may be flown at that building, according to the Northern Ireland Office.
The DUP Assembly member, Mr Ian Paisley jnr, who is a Policing Board member, was dismissive of the proposals, which he said were intended to sever further the symbolic link with Britain and with the RUC and police history in Northern Ireland. "These are Toytown badges," he said.
The Ulster Unionist MLA Mr Fred Cobain said the designs were "bland".
The matter of design should be left to the Policing Board, which is meeting privately today and tomorrow to discuss the issue and other matters, added Mr Cobain, who is also on the board.
SDLP MLA and board member Mr Eddie McGrady said he was satisfied that whatever design was decided upon, it would be in line with the Patten proposals for neutral symbolism.
Sinn FΘin is refusing to sit on the board. Mr Gerry Kelly MLA however indicated that Sinn FΘin would be proposing its own design.
Dr Desmond Rea, chairman of the board, said he hoped the members could themselves resolve the issue without any imposition from the British government.
