Flying of republican flag '˜bid to intimidate unionist voters'

Mr Anderson said a flag that commemorates the 1916 Easter Rising was placed at Lawrencetown Community Centre, which will be used as a polling station for the Assembly elections in Upper Bann next Thursday.

Mr Anderson said he had been contacted by residents concerned about the flying of the flag at the entrance to Millar Park.

“I am aware Irish tricolours have been on display on previous occasions,” he told the Banbridge Leader.

“This is clearly an attempt to intimidate unionist voters in the run-up to the election and is a blatant effort to discourage people from exercising their democratic right to vote on polling day.

“The viability of Lawrencetown Community Centre has ultimately been compromised by those individuals who erected this flag.”

Mr Anderson said he plans to write to the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland requesting an urgent investigation.

“Proper deliberation must now be forthcoming to the possibility of moving to a more neutral location where all voters can feel comfortable going to cast their vote,” he said.

“The underhand tactics being employed by those who erect such flags must be challenged and I now await the response of the Chief Electoral Officer on this urgent matter of concern for many residents.”