Sir, – Richard Irvine’s article (Opinion, January 14th), with its talk of unionists “winning” the “long war” is very unhelpful in the present context. It is thinking which is as dangerous as the idea that the “Northern Ireland problem” was solved by the agreements. There is much unfinished business. The flag row has shown up the dark underbelly of unionism. The vile sectarianism must be dealt with. Identity issues must be discussed. Public space must be neutralised and the flag poles must be decommissioned. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – I believe that most fair-minded loyalists are more upset by seeing their flag wrapped around a protester who is attacking Her Majesty’s police than worried about how many days it is flown on Belfast City Hall. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – Every difficulty presents its own opportunities and the flag issue is no exception. As at least 50 per cent of the population of Northern Ireland claims allegiance to the UK, why not fly the union flag over City Hall in Belfast on 180 days of the year? This “solution” would most likely not satisfy either party, but in the strange logic of Ulster, perhaps this criteria would be the best possible outcome at the present time. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – There would seem to be much confusion within The Irish Times regarding the name of the flag of the United Kingdom and the current controversy in Belfast.
The national flag of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is called the Union Flag since 1921. Before that, since 1801, it was the National Flag of Great Britain and Ireland, and also called the Union Flag. It is called a Union Jack only when it is flown on a ship, usually, a warship of the royal navy. It is interesting to note that the design of the Union Flag consists of the Saltire of St Patrick for Ireland, the Saltire of St Andrew for Scotland and the Cross of St George for England. This holy alliance of saintly colours did not bring about a lasting peace – just as the green, white and, as a grand gesture to the Northern Orangemen, orange in our national flag – appeased no one. – Yours, etc,