AT the weekend celebrations of the Ulster Covenant, Northern Ireland saw one of the most dignified, solemn and massive demonstrations in our history.
I do not want to over-egg the pudding, but, although there were tens of thousands of Union Flags there on the day, the Union Flag was not flying above Parliament Buildings, which concerned many people.
The Democratic Unionist Party opposed the Flags Regulations (Northern Ireland) Order 2000, which designated 17 days. There should be an additional day for Ulster Day, and I would like the support of the Assembly for Northern Ireland Office legislation, under the Secretary of State, to ensure that the Union Flag flies above Parliament Buildings on these significant days.
I raised this issue with the Speaker first thing on Monday morning as a Point of Order. Whilst others have been using the issue to make party political attacks, the DUP has been trying to get the matter resolved.
Jonathan Bell
DUP MLA for Strangford
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