Unionists in protest 'to save British symbols'
UNIONISTS are to mount a protest at Banbridge District Council tonight, as tensions grow over republican efforts to strip buildings across the Province of British symbols.
The local council is undertaking a Sinn Fein-proposed equality impact assessment of its offices.
Unionists fear it could result in the removal of military plaques and other artefacts, including a picture of the Queen, as well as end the flying of the Union Flag.
Banbridge DUP councillor Junior McCrum said people "feel that our culture is under attack".
Tonight's demonstration comes a fortnight after police were called to angry scenes at Limavady council, where Sinn Fein is attempting to have items linked to British identity removed from council property there.
It also follows an Orange Order accusation that the Equality Commission is supporting a purge of British symbols in government buildings, courts and public facilities – a charge the commission rejected.
Sinn Fein has said it is attempting to create "neutral environments" in which no section of the community can feel intimidated or offended.
In Banbridge, Sinn Fein councillor Dessie Ward proposed the equality assessment.
He said: "The council was advised that it could be open to legal challenge, from any member of the public, under Section 75 equality legislation if it did not undertake this process."
To the suggestion that this was part of a Sinn Fein campaign to rid the Province of the British identity, he said: "If there are emblems in nationalist controlled councils that offend unionists, I support their right to call for an equality assessment there too. No one should be offended in those councils either."
However, Mr McCrum said: "Banbridge is fairly unique in that throughout the Troubles there was good community relations and never sectarian strife.
"Since Sinn Fein emerged on the council two-and-a-half years ago all it has contributed is an attempt to foster division."
He added: "People in Banbridge are very angry about this and what is an attempt to deprive a unionist town of its cultural symbols.
"The DUP will not allow this to happen."
The council's Equality and Good Relations Committee is assessing the issue. A public consultation period ends on February 29.
Elsewhere, unionists in Newry and Downpatrick have expressed frustration that they are expected to tolerate IRA monuments on council property while in other parts of the Province nationalists are removing minor items such as Charles and Diana mugs.
ALSO SEE:
Plan to purge town of Protestant symbolism
Trouble flares at council
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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