A Sinn Féin councillor has called for the “immediate” removal of unionist flags erected across the centre of Bessbrook, claiming their scale is about “dominance and supremacy” rather than culture.
Councillor Declan Murphy said the village centre has been “festooned” with flags on “virtually every lamppost”, prompting what he described as concern and anger among residents.
“Once again, Bessbrook village centre has been festooned with unionist flags, with virtually every lamppost covered,” he said.
“No one has an issue with the legitimate celebration of culture. However, the scale and way these flags have been erected has left many local people, myself included, in no doubt that this is more about dominance and supremacy than celebrating a culture.
“It demonstrates a complete lack of respect for the wider community and for the many people who call Bessbrook home.”
Cllr Murphy said there could be “no return” to using symbols to “mark territory or assert dominance over communities”.
“Bessbrook belongs to everyone who lives here. These flags should be removed immediately,” he added.
