Sir, – The Irish tricolour has long stood as a symbol of inclusion and a call for the peaceful unity of different traditions on this island, our country of a thousand welcomes.
However, our national flag and the meaning that it holds faces a significant threat from a small, vocal minority with their vitriolic tirades amplified by the bray horn of social media.
In recent days in Donabate we have witnessed the flag appearing upon our town’s lampposts, not as a beacon of care for and inclusion of others, but rather what I can only interpret as a sinister, thinly veiled threat that certain people are not welcome here.
I am concerned that if we cannot peacefully counter the actions of those who would thieve the principles of our tricolour, that for many, its true meaning might be forever lost as it is increasingly weaponised against those who deserve kindness, compassion and fairness.
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As a small starting counter measure, could our local councils consider passing a bylaw preventing the displaying. without licence, of posters, flags, etc, on property under their jurisdiction? Surely, it is not beyond our collective wisdom and decency to find some democratic way to counter these caustic acts. – Yours, etc,
DR PATRICK McCORMACK,
Donabate,
Co Dublin.
