Jim Allister: no Union flag at Stormont on VE Day ‘an act of utter disrespect’

Mr Allister said that although May 8 was not one of the annual ‘designated days’ for flying the flag, special provision could have been made to mark such a momentous occasion as the 75th anniversary.

Speaking on Friday evening, the TUV leader said: “It is shameful that today Stormont failed to fly the national flag on Parliament Buildings to mark this special celebration of VE Day.

“This was an act of utter disrespect to those who fought and died for our freedom.

“A few weeks ago the Stormont authorities wouldn’t illuminate for Victims’ Day, now they won’t even mark VE Day. This is SInn Fein rule in action.”

The flying of flags at Stormont is controlled by the Assembly Commission which contains representatives from the five parties making up the Northern Ireland Executive.

The current policy is to fly the Union flag on the 18 days per year designated by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, however, the building is used to mark other notable dates and occasions, such as being illuminated in particular colours on Armistice Day, International Women’s Day and St Patrick’s Day.

In March this year, the commission refused a request to illuminate the building to mark European Victims’ of Terrorism Day.

Mr Allister added: “It was always open to them to add VE Day, and one would have thought that they should have done that, but they obviously didn’t.”