I RESPECTFULLY disagree with Brian Maxwell (Letters, December 13) when he concludes ‘We have nothing more left to give’.
Eventually the British Government, with the stroke of a fountain pen, will cede the territory and Crown buildings of Northern Ireland to the Government of Ireland: the Union Flag will no longer flutter freely in the Ulster breeze and the Irish army will move immediately to occupy those bases left vacant by Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
But what the British Government cannot do is cede the unionist population of Northern Ireland to a foreign constitution in which they have neither interest nor allegiance to uphold. Any number of border polls will not make this otherwise.
Those presently demonstrating against the Belfast City Council decision to greatly reduce the number of days of the Union Flag flying at the City Hall should stop their protests.
The violence and disturbances are not supported by the greater unionist population, as the News Letter web poll reveals.
Instead, the combined political unionist leadership should organise a ‘Flag for the Union Day’ along the lines of Ulster Day. I suggest March 17 2013, being a public holiday.
The Parades Commission, which has set a precedent in allowing more than one demonstration on the same day (July 12 2012) will no doubt be only too pleased to facilitate the majority, without restriction.
In anticipation the loyalist band members can tighten their drums, polish their flutes and practice their tunes ready to salute the red, white and blue.
Will Theresa Villiers, MP, the Secretary of State, pencil into her diary the above proposed date when she can come along and witness first-hand how a dignified, peaceful demonstration is conducted by her fellow British citizens and subjects of Her Majesty the Queen in support of the Union and the Union Flag?
The unionist population must avoid being sucked into a cold war being orchestrated by the republicans operating at Belfast City Council.
W W Morrison,
Bangor
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