A Newtownabbey Sinn Féin councillor says he has been “inundated” with complaints from nationalists living in Glengormley unhappy with the erection of tricolours in the area.
Councillor Gerry O’Reilly said the flags, that have been erected along the Hightown Road, have angered people in the area who are already unhappy with the large amounts of loyalist fags flying in the centre of Glengormley village for the Twelfth.
The Sinn Féin man said people in the area don’t want flags of any description flying in Glengormley.
“I have been inundated with calls from local residents of the Hightown Road and Glengormley,” he said.
“They are strongly opposed to the flying of flags on the Hightown Road and voiced their strong opposition to the flying of flags where there has been no consultation with local residents.”
The councillor added that the flags do not help the argument of nationalist residents who want Glengormley free of loyalist flags on the grounds that it is a shared space.
“Sinn Féin has consistently argued that no flags should be used to intimidate residents,” he said.
“We are trying to make the area an inclusive and welcoming environment and make Newtownabbey an area for all.
“Those few individuals who insist on continuing this activity have a responsibility to make themselves known to local people and explain their unwanted actions. This community is angry that the national flag has been abused in this way.”
“They are strongly opposed to the flying of flags on the Hightown Road and voiced their strong opposition to the flying of flags where there has been no consultation with local residents.”
